DISGRUNTLED croquet players have been given their marching orders after nearly 30 years at a sports club because they could be hit by flying cricket balls.

Worcester Norton Croquet Club has been given notice to quit Worcester Norton Sports Club at the end of this season over health and safety concerns, leaving members, many of them elderly, feeling “unwanted”.

But the sports club chairman says the decision has been taken because of the risks to croquet players posed by flying balls, struck by cricketers.

If the sports club extends the cricket pitch, balls are less likely to be hit into homes, gardens, conservatories and cars near the club at the Gordon Jones Memorial Ground in Brockhill Lane, Norton, Worcester, which has saddled the club with hefty bills.

The croquet club, which has between 25 and 35 members, has been based at Worcester Norton Sports Club since 1986 and so far they have been unable to find a new base after beginning the search in January although they are hoping to be able to play in Worcester’s Cripplegate Park.

The croquet club, which has between 25 and 33 members, has applied to Wychavon Sports Development, The Croquet Association, Norton Parish, St Peter’s Garden Centre, Perdiswell sports ground, the Diocese of Worcester, the University of Worcester, Spetchley Park, Croome Park and Manor Park Sports Club in Malvern without success.

Justin Davies, chairman of the club, said: “Most of them (cricket club members) don’t know what croquet is about and couldn’t care less. They’re only interested in their cricket.

“They say it’s to do with health and safety but they are trying to enlarge the cricket field. Apparently it’s not big enough for the Birmingham league. If they hit sixes out on either side they’re likely to kill someone on the croquet lawn or go through a conservatory window.”

The 83-year-old, who has arthritic knees, said the sport was one of the few things he was still able to do to keep healthy and the oldest player was 90 years old.

Mike Goode, chairman of Worcester Norton Sports Club Limited, said the decision was taken “with considerable regret" in February on the grounds of health and safety and the in - creasing costs of damage.

He said: “The croquet club has been a valued part of the sports club since the 1980s and we have been working with them to help them find a new home.

“We have spoken to the parish council, district council and local landowners to see if we ca It is with considerable regret I can confirm Worcester Norton Sports Club gave notice to the Croquet Club to leave the site in February on the grounds of health and safety plus the increasing costs of damage. The Croquet Club has been a valued part of the sports club since the 1980s and we have been working with them to help them find a new home. We have spoken to the Parish Council, District Council and local landowners to see if we can find a site nearby. We have already granted an extension to the end of the current season which runs to September 2014.

The Sports Club incurs significant costs each year paying for damage to homes & conservatories adjacent to the cricket pitch, as well as vehicles parked onsite and nearby. This has increased year by year and become untenable and also there have been a number of near misses with balls flying over the hedge onto the croquet lawns. Our pitches are used most evenings and weekends from April to September by around 200 cricketers.

To clarify the safety risk, Worcester Cricket Club has realistic ambitions of promotion back into the Birmingham Premier League. We enjoyed grandfather rights previously which no longer apply and players at this higher standard simply hit the ball further. At the recent Bunbury XI charity game (in aid of the D’Oliveira Foundation) around a dozen balls were hit out of the ground above mature horse chestnut trees, damaging property, landing in gardens or onto the croquet lawns. We have already been presented with bills to repair this damage. By extending the cricket pitch onto the existing croquet area we can move away from the houses at one end and eliminate the risk of hitting croquet players at the other.

In the long term the club does want to develop the site for wider sport and community use. We need to preserve this valuable green space, make best use of our site and complement other sport and community facilities in the vicinity. This has been discussed for many years with both relocation and redevelopment considered. At an EGM (extraordinary general meeting) in December 2013 an outline plan was shared with members including the Croquet Club. The Sports Club is committed to stay in Norton and we are currently consulting with the relevant authorities and local community to ensure we develop appropriate facilities and give consideration to any planning restrictions which may apply.

"Many of our members, me included, live in the area and are passionate about our community. As well as cricket, shooting, general recreation and dog walking the club recently hosted the award winning Norton Community Games, provide free accommodation to the Norton Youth Club and we are speaking to local community groups about ways to better commemorate the history of the barracks. The Croquet Club has a handful of members who travel from all over the county and offer a quintessentially English past time, enjoyed by many regardless of age. This is something we as a sports club are extremely keen to help protect but it has to be done in a way that is safe and sustainable for all.

We will continue to do all we can to promote sport and community activities."

Comments

Jabbadad
7:58pm Mon 16 Jun 14

Surely there could be a compromise about when the croquete players need access to the ground and not during Cricket matches. But I do think that Norton are being very selfish so that they can compete in the Birmingham league which will probably mean dropping most of the local players and attracting better player from away. Sounds very much like the progress of football, and look where that has got us. With clubs being Many Millions of pounds in debt to pay these so called stars from other countires Hundreds of Thousands of pounds per week.

Surely there could be a compromise about when the croquete players need access to the ground and not during Cricket matches. But I do think that Norton are being very selfish so that they can compete in the Birmingham league which will probably mean dropping most of the local players and attracting better player from away. Sounds very much like the progress of football, and look where that has got us. With clubs being Many Millions of pounds in debt to pay these so called stars from other countires Hundreds of Thousands of pounds per week.Jabbadad

Surely there could be a compromise about when the croquete players need access to the ground and not during Cricket matches. But I do think that Norton are being very selfish so that they can compete in the Birmingham league which will probably mean dropping most of the local players and attracting better player from away. Sounds very much like the progress of football, and look where that has got us. With clubs being Many Millions of pounds in debt to pay these so called stars from other countires Hundreds of Thousands of pounds per week.

Score: 10

CJH
5:37pm Mon 16 Jun 14

I'm sure there a lot more playing cricket than the 35 (or 33 depending which paragragh you read!) playing croquet. The club is on private land and they can have whoever they want on it, or not. Don't see what more they can do, they've helped them look for alternative sites, and given them an extension. Can't move, or don't want to?

I'm sure there a lot more playing cricket than the 35 (or 33 depending which paragragh you read!) playing croquet. The club is on private land and they can have whoever they want on it, or not. Don't see what more they can do, they've helped them look for alternative sites, and given them an extension. Can't move, or don't want to?CJH

I'm sure there a lot more playing cricket than the 35 (or 33 depending which paragragh you read!) playing croquet. The club is on private land and they can have whoever they want on it, or not. Don't see what more they can do, they've helped them look for alternative sites, and given them an extension. Can't move, or don't want to?

Score: -7

LadyNewsWorcester56
8:48am Tue 17 Jun 14

As a Croquet Coach and an active member of Worcester Norton Croquet Club I would like to highlight that ANYONE can play our wonderful game. Yes our Chairman is 'mature' but the club has members of all ages, both sexes, who play at all levels - fun players, national and international players. We have teams in both Association and Golf Croquet South West Federation League plus several members with world rankings. I also understand that recently the fields have been granted Community Asset Status. The WNSC are saying that it's due to health and safety risks which is why they are getting rid of us! We know the risks. We've been playing on the lawns for nearly thirty years so for us nothing has changed. A simple solution would be to erect a fence. That way we can continue to provide a sporting facility to 'everyone' in the local community and surrounding villages especially those who can't play cricket. We would welcome new members. However, over the last couple of years we have had too rain back our development plans due to the uncertainty of our future. At one point we were told that the land was being sold for a housing development and a new sports complex built away from the barracks on the outskirts of the village. Now they're saying that they want to expand their top field by demolishing the Stewards House and several wonderful mature trees because the Cricket Club want to play in the Birmingham league. Well we want to continue to play and offer croquet to everyone in the local community and surrounding area. I'm sure we can find a mutual way forward. Why not let us relocate onto the bottom lawn? We could expand our lawns from two to four including an all weather area so games and coaching could be played all year round? Is playing in Birmingham really that important?

As a Croquet Coach and an active member of Worcester Norton Croquet Club I would like to highlight that ANYONE can play our wonderful game. Yes our Chairman is 'mature' but the club has members of all ages, both sexes, who play at all levels - fun players, national and international players. We have teams in both Association and Golf Croquet South West Federation League plus several members with world rankings. I also understand that recently the fields have been granted Community Asset Status. The WNSC are saying that it's due to health and safety risks which is why they are getting rid of us! We know the risks. We've been playing on the lawns for nearly thirty years so for us nothing has changed. A simple solution would be to erect a fence. That way we can continue to provide a sporting facility to 'everyone' in the local community and surrounding villages especially those who can't play cricket. We would welcome new members. However, over the last couple of years we have had too rain back our development plans due to the uncertainty of our future. At one point we were told that the land was being sold for a housing development and a new sports complex built away from the barracks on the outskirts of the village. Now they're saying that they want to expand their top field by demolishing the Stewards House and several wonderful mature trees because the Cricket Club want to play in the Birmingham league. Well we want to continue to play and offer croquet to everyone in the local community and surrounding area. I'm sure we can find a mutual way forward. Why not let us relocate onto the bottom lawn? We could expand our lawns from two to four including an all weather area so games and coaching could be played all year round? Is playing in Birmingham really that important?LadyNewsWorcester56

As a Croquet Coach and an active member of Worcester Norton Croquet Club I would like to highlight that ANYONE can play our wonderful game. Yes our Chairman is 'mature' but the club has members of all ages, both sexes, who play at all levels - fun players, national and international players. We have teams in both Association and Golf Croquet South West Federation League plus several members with world rankings. I also understand that recently the fields have been granted Community Asset Status. The WNSC are saying that it's due to health and safety risks which is why they are getting rid of us! We know the risks. We've been playing on the lawns for nearly thirty years so for us nothing has changed. A simple solution would be to erect a fence. That way we can continue to provide a sporting facility to 'everyone' in the local community and surrounding villages especially those who can't play cricket. We would welcome new members. However, over the last couple of years we have had too rain back our development plans due to the uncertainty of our future. At one point we were told that the land was being sold for a housing development and a new sports complex built away from the barracks on the outskirts of the village. Now they're saying that they want to expand their top field by demolishing the Stewards House and several wonderful mature trees because the Cricket Club want to play in the Birmingham league. Well we want to continue to play and offer croquet to everyone in the local community and surrounding area. I'm sure we can find a mutual way forward. Why not let us relocate onto the bottom lawn? We could expand our lawns from two to four including an all weather area so games and coaching could be played all year round? Is playing in Birmingham really that important?

Score: 14

MikeGoode
9:24am Tue 17 Jun 14

Jabbadad

Thanks for contributing and I would just like to pick up on your comment about turning our back on local players. We are currently top of division one with the next step of promotion taking us into the Birmingham League. In recent years we have lost many players to teams such as Ombersley, Pershore, Evesham and Barnards Green. All bar one of the current team is made up of local people with no fewer than 6 having played through our youth system from the age of 7. The one exception (a young overseas player) is part of a reciprocal exchange arrangement. To survive we need to retain our own Worcester lads, not turn our back on them. Over a season these lads (or their parents) pay around £400 in match fees to cover umpires, balls and ground costs.

Sadly both sports are played evenings and weekends throughout the summer so fixtures always coincide.

As for fencing, we have erected a 15 metre high net at the opposite end to the croquet lawns but this still does not prevent damage to houses, cars and conservatories beyond the netting and these costs rise every year. A net at the croquet end would have similar limited effect.

Sadly we have no more space on our site, which is also used for football in the winter.

The search goes on so we might all continue to enjoy our sports and the sports club will do all it can to help the croquet find a new home.

Thanks again all for your contributions.

Mike Goode - Chairman Worcester Norton Sports Club

Jabbadad
Thanks for contributing and I would just like to pick up on your comment about turning our back on local players. We are currently top of division one with the next step of promotion taking us into the Birmingham League. In recent years we have lost many players to teams such as Ombersley, Pershore, Evesham and Barnards Green. All bar one of the current team is made up of local people with no fewer than 6 having played through our youth system from the age of 7. The one exception (a young overseas player) is part of a reciprocal exchange arrangement. To survive we need to retain our own Worcester lads, not turn our back on them. Over a season these lads (or their parents) pay around £400 in match fees to cover umpires, balls and ground costs.
Sadly both sports are played evenings and weekends throughout the summer so fixtures always coincide.
As for fencing, we have erected a 15 metre high net at the opposite end to the croquet lawns but this still does not prevent damage to houses, cars and conservatories beyond the netting and these costs rise every year. A net at the croquet end would have similar limited effect.
Sadly we have no more space on our site, which is also used for football in the winter.
The search goes on so we might all continue to enjoy our sports and the sports club will do all it can to help the croquet find a new home.
Thanks again all for your contributions.
Mike Goode - Chairman Worcester Norton Sports ClubMikeGoode

Jabbadad

Thanks for contributing and I would just like to pick up on your comment about turning our back on local players. We are currently top of division one with the next step of promotion taking us into the Birmingham League. In recent years we have lost many players to teams such as Ombersley, Pershore, Evesham and Barnards Green. All bar one of the current team is made up of local people with no fewer than 6 having played through our youth system from the age of 7. The one exception (a young overseas player) is part of a reciprocal exchange arrangement. To survive we need to retain our own Worcester lads, not turn our back on them. Over a season these lads (or their parents) pay around £400 in match fees to cover umpires, balls and ground costs.

Sadly both sports are played evenings and weekends throughout the summer so fixtures always coincide.

As for fencing, we have erected a 15 metre high net at the opposite end to the croquet lawns but this still does not prevent damage to houses, cars and conservatories beyond the netting and these costs rise every year. A net at the croquet end would have similar limited effect.

Sadly we have no more space on our site, which is also used for football in the winter.

The search goes on so we might all continue to enjoy our sports and the sports club will do all it can to help the croquet find a new home.

Thanks again all for your contributions.

Mike Goode - Chairman Worcester Norton Sports Club

Score: -6

Rita Jelfs
10:29am Tue 17 Jun 14

Jabbadad wrote…

Surely there could be a compromise about when the croquete players need access to the ground and not during Cricket matches. But I do think that Norton are being very selfish so that they can compete in the Birmingham league which will probably mean dropping most of the local players and attracting better player from away. Sounds very much like the progress of football, and look where that has got us. With clubs being Many Millions of pounds in debt to pay these so called stars from other countires Hundreds of Thousands of pounds per week.

Mike Goode mentioned that both sports are played evenings and weekends during the Summer so fixtures coincide. Surely flexibility and compromise is the answer rather than excluding one sport for the other. It appears that the cricketers' ego's might be the problem, so they make excuses. There are several hours from late afternoon to late evening during Summer, and over 12 hours each day over Summer weekends.

[quote][p][bold]Jabbadad[/bold] wrote:
Surely there could be a compromise about when the croquete players need access to the ground and not during Cricket matches. But I do think that Norton are being very selfish so that they can compete in the Birmingham league which will probably mean dropping most of the local players and attracting better player from away. Sounds very much like the progress of football, and look where that has got us. With clubs being Many Millions of pounds in debt to pay these so called stars from other countires Hundreds of Thousands of pounds per week.[/p][/quote]Mike Goode mentioned that both sports are played evenings and weekends during the Summer so fixtures coincide. Surely flexibility and compromise is the answer rather than excluding one sport for the other. It appears that the cricketers' ego's might be the problem, so they make excuses. There are several hours from late afternoon to late evening during Summer, and over 12 hours each day over Summer weekends.Rita Jelfs

Jabbadad wrote…

Surely there could be a compromise about when the croquete players need access to the ground and not during Cricket matches. But I do think that Norton are being very selfish so that they can compete in the Birmingham league which will probably mean dropping most of the local players and attracting better player from away. Sounds very much like the progress of football, and look where that has got us. With clubs being Many Millions of pounds in debt to pay these so called stars from other countires Hundreds of Thousands of pounds per week.

Mike Goode mentioned that both sports are played evenings and weekends during the Summer so fixtures coincide. Surely flexibility and compromise is the answer rather than excluding one sport for the other. It appears that the cricketers' ego's might be the problem, so they make excuses. There are several hours from late afternoon to late evening during Summer, and over 12 hours each day over Summer weekends.

Part of the fun of playing at norton is blasting the ball into the croquet pitch and waiting for an 'ouch'

Part of the fun of playing at norton is blasting the ball into the croquet pitch and waiting for an 'ouch'themooman

Part of the fun of playing at norton is blasting the ball into the croquet pitch and waiting for an 'ouch'

Score: -7

Very knowledgeable
4:52pm Tue 17 Jun 14

The simple fact is that of the three elements to the sports club: croquet, cricket and shooting, the croquet club are actually tennants of the cricket club. Hence, if their "landlord" wants them off then it's that simple.

The membership numbers are interesting since the croquet and cricket are actually comparable. Cricketers, as Mike Goode points out, have other clubs to play at. While the criquet club is the only one in the area. Hence the similar numbers (~30 croquet, ~45 adult cricketers). The "shooters" are the real power brokers at the club with heading for 500 members!

The simple fact is that of the three elements to the sports club: croquet, cricket and shooting, the croquet club are actually tennants of the cricket club. Hence, if their "landlord" wants them off then it's that simple.
The membership numbers are interesting since the croquet and cricket are actually comparable. Cricketers, as Mike Goode points out, have other clubs to play at. While the criquet club is the only one in the area. Hence the similar numbers (~30 croquet, ~45 adult cricketers). The "shooters" are the real power brokers at the club with heading for 500 members!Very knowledgeable

The simple fact is that of the three elements to the sports club: croquet, cricket and shooting, the croquet club are actually tennants of the cricket club. Hence, if their "landlord" wants them off then it's that simple.

The membership numbers are interesting since the croquet and cricket are actually comparable. Cricketers, as Mike Goode points out, have other clubs to play at. While the criquet club is the only one in the area. Hence the similar numbers (~30 croquet, ~45 adult cricketers). The "shooters" are the real power brokers at the club with heading for 500 members!

Score: 9

DarrenM
7:15pm Tue 17 Jun 14

It just needs one neighbour to apply for an injunction, due to damage caused by all the "sixes" , the club will be forced to close, and croquet can continue - problem solved!

It just needs one neighbour to apply for an injunction, due to damage caused by all the "sixes" , the club will be forced to close, and croquet can continue - problem solved!DarrenM

It just needs one neighbour to apply for an injunction, due to damage caused by all the "sixes" , the club will be forced to close, and croquet can continue - problem solved!

*Hear hear I think you meant Very knowledgeable. Must have been a typo. Unless you were beckoning Mr Goode of course.

[quote][p][bold]Very knowledgeable[/bold] wrote:
Just spotted Mr Goode's comment "We need to preserve this valuable green space". Here here Mr Goode![/p][/quote]*Hear hear I think you meant Very knowledgeable. Must have been a typo. Unless you were beckoning Mr Goode of course.pinkfluff

*Hear hear I think you meant Very knowledgeable. Must have been a typo. Unless you were beckoning Mr Goode of course.

Score: 5

MrWXYZ
7:45am Wed 18 Jun 14

I am sure Mike can confirm but there will be more than 45 members for cricket - they field 3 saturday teams, and several (6 maybe?) different aged youth teams.
As for timings its not like cricket takes half an hour. IF they go up to the birmingham league then there will be earlier starts on the saturday. And evening games take most of the evening - there must be quite a few given they rent the ground to other local sides for the evening league.
However if the bottom pitch were brought back up to previous standards then that could be used for all evening - kids and other adult teams games.

I am sure Mike can confirm but there will be more than 45 members for cricket - they field 3 saturday teams, and several (6 maybe?) different aged youth teams.
As for timings its not like cricket takes half an hour. IF they go up to the birmingham league then there will be earlier starts on the saturday. And evening games take most of the evening - there must be quite a few given they rent the ground to other local sides for the evening league.
However if the bottom pitch were brought back up to previous standards then that could be used for all evening - kids and other adult teams games.MrWXYZ

I am sure Mike can confirm but there will be more than 45 members for cricket - they field 3 saturday teams, and several (6 maybe?) different aged youth teams.
As for timings its not like cricket takes half an hour. IF they go up to the birmingham league then there will be earlier starts on the saturday. And evening games take most of the evening - there must be quite a few given they rent the ground to other local sides for the evening league.
However if the bottom pitch were brought back up to previous standards then that could be used for all evening - kids and other adult teams games.

Score: 2

MikeGoode
9:15am Wed 18 Jun 14

Thanks all for your comments.

The number of cricketers is much higher with three saturday teams, a sunday team and midweek team, plus youth teams from age 9 to 16, not to mention around 60 under 9s playing kwik cricket. adult cricket membership is around 45 but taking all home based participants into account we are well over 200. Our facilities are used most weekday evenings by the Taxi Premier League and other local clubs who have no permanent ground. Thankfully the weather this season has been good but rainy summers add to fixture congestion and demand for our ground.

Let's hope Cripplegate Park or some other similar facility might help the croquet out.

Thanks all for your comments.
The number of cricketers is much higher with three saturday teams, a sunday team and midweek team, plus youth teams from age 9 to 16, not to mention around 60 under 9s playing kwik cricket. adult cricket membership is around 45 but taking all home based participants into account we are well over 200. Our facilities are used most weekday evenings by the Taxi Premier League and other local clubs who have no permanent ground. Thankfully the weather this season has been good but rainy summers add to fixture congestion and demand for our ground.
Let's hope Cripplegate Park or some other similar facility might help the croquet out.MikeGoode

Thanks all for your comments.

The number of cricketers is much higher with three saturday teams, a sunday team and midweek team, plus youth teams from age 9 to 16, not to mention around 60 under 9s playing kwik cricket. adult cricket membership is around 45 but taking all home based participants into account we are well over 200. Our facilities are used most weekday evenings by the Taxi Premier League and other local clubs who have no permanent ground. Thankfully the weather this season has been good but rainy summers add to fixture congestion and demand for our ground.

Let's hope Cripplegate Park or some other similar facility might help the croquet out.

Score: -2

SportyWoman
9:09am Wed 18 Jun 14

It seems to me that the crickets have out grown the small community facilities at Norton Barracks. If flying cricket are causing damage to local residence property then it is the cricketers who should look to move to bigger facilities. I've never seen croquet balls flying through the air!

Just a suggestion as I live in Norton, I know that there is a very large recreational facility at our parish hall which has changing rooms so perhaps we could have a ladies cricket team?

It seems to me that the crickets have out grown the small community facilities at Norton Barracks. If flying cricket are causing damage to local residence property then it is the cricketers who should look to move to bigger facilities. I've never seen croquet balls flying through the air!
Just a suggestion as I live in Norton, I know that there is a very large recreational facility at our parish hall which has changing rooms so perhaps we could have a ladies cricket team?SportyWoman

It seems to me that the crickets have out grown the small community facilities at Norton Barracks. If flying cricket are causing damage to local residence property then it is the cricketers who should look to move to bigger facilities. I've never seen croquet balls flying through the air!

Just a suggestion as I live in Norton, I know that there is a very large recreational facility at our parish hall which has changing rooms so perhaps we could have a ladies cricket team?

Score: 4

Jabbadad
10:06am Wed 18 Jun 14

I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move?
I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..

I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move?
I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..Jabbadad

I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move?
I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..

Score: 0

themooman
10:50am Wed 18 Jun 14

Jabbadad wrote…

I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move? I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..

well, that escalated quickly!

[quote][p][bold]Jabbadad[/bold] wrote:
I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move? I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..[/p][/quote]well, that escalated quickly!themooman

Jabbadad wrote…

I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move? I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..

well, that escalated quickly!

Score: 3

Jabbadad
6:06pm Wed 18 Jun 14

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate?
There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate?
There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.Jabbadad

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate?
There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.

Score: -6

LadyNewsWorcester56
11:57am Wed 18 Jun 14

Jabbadad wrote…

I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move?
I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..

We do have several disabled members. Thank you for drawing this option to our notice.

[quote][p][bold]Jabbadad[/bold] wrote:
I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move?
I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..[/p][/quote]We do have several disabled members. Thank you for drawing this option to our notice.LadyNewsWorcester56

Jabbadad wrote…

I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move?
I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..

We do have several disabled members. Thank you for drawing this option to our notice.

Score: 5

MikeGoode
1:16pm Wed 18 Jun 14

Very knowledgeable

You are very knowledgeable indeed although a couple of your facts are questionable. Perhaps we could meet up and discuss at some point? Always open to ideas and suggestions from interested parties to both preserve and develop the community facilities we provide for maximum benefit.

Very knowledgeable
You are very knowledgeable indeed although a couple of your facts are questionable. Perhaps we could meet up and discuss at some point? Always open to ideas and suggestions from interested parties to both preserve and develop the community facilities we provide for maximum benefit.MikeGoode

Very knowledgeable

You are very knowledgeable indeed although a couple of your facts are questionable. Perhaps we could meet up and discuss at some point? Always open to ideas and suggestions from interested parties to both preserve and develop the community facilities we provide for maximum benefit.

Score: 0

Very knowledgeable
12:00pm Wed 18 Jun 14

WNSC is very much at the heart of the Norton community; but sadly the cricket section has been making a financial loss for several years. Mr Goode and the committee have been trying to bail the club out of its financial predicament, and rightly so. Thankfully the shooting section has bailed the cricket club out – this time.

The cricketers realised long ago that they occupied potentially valuable land and rumours of a selloff for housing have been rife for a long while. It was in July 2013 that this came to a head and a vote was taken of all of the WNSC membership with a proposal that a split be made by the cricketers from the shooting club and that the cricketers then make a move to an alternative site. Several local landowners were approached; some of them claiming that they’d been told that it was a “done deal”: the cricket club had already sold their land with planning permission for housing – this was never the case. It is also a sad fact that the club managed to alienate much of the local community by ceasing its “social” membership scheme and now only permits proven players to join as full ADULT members - the "45" Mr Goode refers to. The cricket club does not have open membership. There are no opportunities for those with a passing interest to learn more about cricket by joining the cricket club. This policy was initiated several years ago, presumably to prevent too many locals joining and voting down any proposals to sell off the “valuable green space”. In the end the vote went roughly 9:1 against Mr Goode’s proposal.

The cricket club, as landlord, has every right to ask a tenant to move out, but the safety argument for removing the croquet club is a bit of a red herring. IF the cricket club does expand onto the former croquet club land, as Mr Goode says: “extending the cricket pitch onto the existing croquet area we can move away from the houses at one end” inevitably means that the pitch will move closer to the houses at the other end of the pitch! To the best of my knowledge none of those residents have been informed of Mr Goode’s plans. He may simply be exchanging one problem for another, a far more serious one from a financial perspective. Removal of the croquet infrastructure, demolition of the brick houses (pictured in the original article), removal of mature trees and the establishment of the new pitch / wicket will entail a significant financial outlay - and all for a pitch that they cannot play on due to its proximity to the other houses. Keep in mind, none of those residents purchased a house next door to a cricket pitch. Mr Goode plans to move the pitch next door to them! Residents might have every right to object to his potentially hazardous plans? The club has already conceded that the croquet players are at risk. Moving closer to the houses would presumably place those residents at risk? Have the club conducted a full risk assessment for the new pitch layout?

If a substantial risk was to be identified with the new pitch, as it has been with the current pitch, I’m sure the club could use the newly available land for some other sport – how about croquet?

WNSC is very much at the heart of the Norton community; but sadly the cricket section has been making a financial loss for several years. Mr Goode and the committee have been trying to bail the club out of its financial predicament, and rightly so. Thankfully the shooting section has bailed the cricket club out – this time.
The cricketers realised long ago that they occupied potentially valuable land and rumours of a selloff for housing have been rife for a long while. It was in July 2013 that this came to a head and a vote was taken of all of the WNSC membership with a proposal that a split be made by the cricketers from the shooting club and that the cricketers then make a move to an alternative site. Several local landowners were approached; some of them claiming that they’d been told that it was a “done deal”: the cricket club had already sold their land with planning permission for housing – this was never the case. It is also a sad fact that the club managed to alienate much of the local community by ceasing its “social” membership scheme and now only permits proven players to join as full ADULT members - the "45" Mr Goode refers to. The cricket club does not have open membership. There are no opportunities for those with a passing interest to learn more about cricket by joining the cricket club. This policy was initiated several years ago, presumably to prevent too many locals joining and voting down any proposals to sell off the “valuable green space”. In the end the vote went roughly 9:1 against Mr Goode’s proposal.
The cricket club, as landlord, has every right to ask a tenant to move out, but the safety argument for removing the croquet club is a bit of a red herring. IF the cricket club does expand onto the former croquet club land, as Mr Goode says: “extending the cricket pitch onto the existing croquet area we can move away from the houses at one end” inevitably means that the pitch will move closer to the houses at the other end of the pitch! To the best of my knowledge none of those residents have been informed of Mr Goode’s plans. He may simply be exchanging one problem for another, a far more serious one from a financial perspective. Removal of the croquet infrastructure, demolition of the brick houses (pictured in the original article), removal of mature trees and the establishment of the new pitch / wicket will entail a significant financial outlay - and all for a pitch that they cannot play on due to its proximity to the other houses. Keep in mind, none of those residents purchased a house next door to a cricket pitch. Mr Goode plans to move the pitch next door to them! Residents might have every right to object to his potentially hazardous plans? The club has already conceded that the croquet players are at risk. Moving closer to the houses would presumably place those residents at risk? Have the club conducted a full risk assessment for the new pitch layout?
If a substantial risk was to be identified with the new pitch, as it has been with the current pitch, I’m sure the club could use the newly available land for some other sport – how about croquet?Very knowledgeable

WNSC is very much at the heart of the Norton community; but sadly the cricket section has been making a financial loss for several years. Mr Goode and the committee have been trying to bail the club out of its financial predicament, and rightly so. Thankfully the shooting section has bailed the cricket club out – this time.

The cricketers realised long ago that they occupied potentially valuable land and rumours of a selloff for housing have been rife for a long while. It was in July 2013 that this came to a head and a vote was taken of all of the WNSC membership with a proposal that a split be made by the cricketers from the shooting club and that the cricketers then make a move to an alternative site. Several local landowners were approached; some of them claiming that they’d been told that it was a “done deal”: the cricket club had already sold their land with planning permission for housing – this was never the case. It is also a sad fact that the club managed to alienate much of the local community by ceasing its “social” membership scheme and now only permits proven players to join as full ADULT members - the "45" Mr Goode refers to. The cricket club does not have open membership. There are no opportunities for those with a passing interest to learn more about cricket by joining the cricket club. This policy was initiated several years ago, presumably to prevent too many locals joining and voting down any proposals to sell off the “valuable green space”. In the end the vote went roughly 9:1 against Mr Goode’s proposal.

The cricket club, as landlord, has every right to ask a tenant to move out, but the safety argument for removing the croquet club is a bit of a red herring. IF the cricket club does expand onto the former croquet club land, as Mr Goode says: “extending the cricket pitch onto the existing croquet area we can move away from the houses at one end” inevitably means that the pitch will move closer to the houses at the other end of the pitch! To the best of my knowledge none of those residents have been informed of Mr Goode’s plans. He may simply be exchanging one problem for another, a far more serious one from a financial perspective. Removal of the croquet infrastructure, demolition of the brick houses (pictured in the original article), removal of mature trees and the establishment of the new pitch / wicket will entail a significant financial outlay - and all for a pitch that they cannot play on due to its proximity to the other houses. Keep in mind, none of those residents purchased a house next door to a cricket pitch. Mr Goode plans to move the pitch next door to them! Residents might have every right to object to his potentially hazardous plans? The club has already conceded that the croquet players are at risk. Moving closer to the houses would presumably place those residents at risk? Have the club conducted a full risk assessment for the new pitch layout?

If a substantial risk was to be identified with the new pitch, as it has been with the current pitch, I’m sure the club could use the newly available land for some other sport – how about croquet?

Score: 13

Jabbadad
12:26pm Wed 18 Jun 14

The Disability Equality Act November 2010 is one of the most powereful acts to be introduced for many years.

The Disability Equality Act November 2010 is one of the most powereful acts to be introduced for many years.Jabbadad

The Disability Equality Act November 2010 is one of the most powereful acts to be introduced for many years.

Score: 6

themooman
12:39pm Thu 19 Jun 14

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

MikeGoode wrote…

Thanks All. Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club. The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point. Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off. The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground. Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?

So - Mr Goode - I was right. "No brainer", as my son just said - a dozen hits out of the ground, it the cricketers that are at fault mum NOT THE CROQUET PLAYERS. Why won't you just admit that the cricketers have out grown the field? It appears that plans haven't been agreed and no demolish works are starting in September. Are the owners of all the dwellings around the cricket field also going to be evicted becasue the cricket club can't afford to pay the repair bills? As a cricket club they must have insurance? They do have insurance or can't they afford the premiums because of all the claims being made? As far as I am aware we at the Croquet Club have never made a claim against the Cricket Club but we are being made the scape goat for everyone else. How unfair is that?

The cricketers havent outgrown the ground - players were hitting the ball out of the ground 30 years ago, As Worcester CC have said its the insurance prices and health and safety rules that have outgrown the club, Its alot more feasible for a croquet club to set up elsewhere - requiring a maximum 35 yards x 28 yards, than a cricket club who require alot more space ( i believe it is roughly 45 yards either side of the pitch.)

Its not a question of fairness, its a question financial hierachy and participation levels, by the looks of it the croquet players fall to bottom of the list on both.

[quote][p][bold]LadyNewsWorcester56[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote: Thanks All. Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club. The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point. Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off. The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground. Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?[/p][/quote]So - Mr Goode - I was right. "No brainer", as my son just said - a dozen hits out of the ground, it the cricketers that are at fault mum NOT THE CROQUET PLAYERS. Why won't you just admit that the cricketers have out grown the field? It appears that plans haven't been agreed and no demolish works are starting in September. Are the owners of all the dwellings around the cricket field also going to be evicted becasue the cricket club can't afford to pay the repair bills? As a cricket club they must have insurance? They do have insurance or can't they afford the premiums because of all the claims being made? As far as I am aware we at the Croquet Club have never made a claim against the Cricket Club but we are being made the scape goat for everyone else. How unfair is that?[/p][/quote]The cricketers havent outgrown the ground - players were hitting the ball out of the ground 30 years ago, As Worcester CC have said its the insurance prices and health and safety rules that have outgrown the club, Its alot more feasible for a croquet club to set up elsewhere - requiring a maximum 35 yards x 28 yards, than a cricket club who require alot more space ( i believe it is roughly 45 yards either side of the pitch.)
Its not a question of fairness, its a question financial hierachy and participation levels, by the looks of it the croquet players fall to bottom of the list on both.themooman

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

MikeGoode wrote…

Thanks All. Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club. The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point. Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off. The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground. Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?

So - Mr Goode - I was right. "No brainer", as my son just said - a dozen hits out of the ground, it the cricketers that are at fault mum NOT THE CROQUET PLAYERS. Why won't you just admit that the cricketers have out grown the field? It appears that plans haven't been agreed and no demolish works are starting in September. Are the owners of all the dwellings around the cricket field also going to be evicted becasue the cricket club can't afford to pay the repair bills? As a cricket club they must have insurance? They do have insurance or can't they afford the premiums because of all the claims being made? As far as I am aware we at the Croquet Club have never made a claim against the Cricket Club but we are being made the scape goat for everyone else. How unfair is that?

The cricketers havent outgrown the ground - players were hitting the ball out of the ground 30 years ago, As Worcester CC have said its the insurance prices and health and safety rules that have outgrown the club, Its alot more feasible for a croquet club to set up elsewhere - requiring a maximum 35 yards x 28 yards, than a cricket club who require alot more space ( i believe it is roughly 45 yards either side of the pitch.)

Its not a question of fairness, its a question financial hierachy and participation levels, by the looks of it the croquet players fall to bottom of the list on both.

Score: 6

A non mouse
1:26pm Wed 18 Jun 14

I have an answer that will keep all users of the WNSC happy. Simply station members of the gun club around the boundary so they can shoot any flying cricket balls before they hit a croquet player, conservatory, passing taxi etc. Much more challenging, and satisfying I suspect, than aiming at stationary targets or pretend pigeons. And if they fancy picking off any dog walkers who fail to clean up after their pets, then all the better.

Seriously, Mr Goode mentions "community" a lot, but there is a clear lack of that spirit involved in evicting the croquet section and H&S excuse is just that, and a pretty feeble one too. Simply erect bigger and better fences / nets, and ones that can be put up and taken down just for match days/evenings. Much cheaper than expanding the ground and more effective than asking the batsman to hit the ball hard, but not too hard.

I have an answer that will keep all users of the WNSC happy. Simply station members of the gun club around the boundary so they can shoot any flying cricket balls before they hit a croquet player, conservatory, passing taxi etc. Much more challenging, and satisfying I suspect, than aiming at stationary targets or pretend pigeons. And if they fancy picking off any dog walkers who fail to clean up after their pets, then all the better.
Seriously, Mr Goode mentions "community" a lot, but there is a clear lack of that spirit involved in evicting the croquet section and H&S excuse is just that, and a pretty feeble one too. Simply erect bigger and better fences / nets, and ones that can be put up and taken down just for match days/evenings. Much cheaper than expanding the ground and more effective than asking the batsman to hit the ball hard, but not too hard.A non mouse

I have an answer that will keep all users of the WNSC happy. Simply station members of the gun club around the boundary so they can shoot any flying cricket balls before they hit a croquet player, conservatory, passing taxi etc. Much more challenging, and satisfying I suspect, than aiming at stationary targets or pretend pigeons. And if they fancy picking off any dog walkers who fail to clean up after their pets, then all the better.

Seriously, Mr Goode mentions "community" a lot, but there is a clear lack of that spirit involved in evicting the croquet section and H&S excuse is just that, and a pretty feeble one too. Simply erect bigger and better fences / nets, and ones that can be put up and taken down just for match days/evenings. Much cheaper than expanding the ground and more effective than asking the batsman to hit the ball hard, but not too hard.

Score: 11

MikeGoode
4:58pm Wed 18 Jun 14

Thanks Very Knowledgeable

In answer to 1. The cricket pitch will stay where it is and the outfield will be enlarged.

Question 2. Please do complete a questionnaire which has two pages of questions plus of course the opportunity to make any additional comments you feel appropriate. This feedback will help shape our "plans"which are merely ideas at this stage. We will then inform residents or other stakeholders once we have definitive plans, based on their requests.

The main focus of any potential redevelopment on site is to improve / replace the clubhouse to make it more accessible to a wider range of community groups of all ages for sporting and social activities.

Without wishing to remain off topic, please do contact me directly to discuss.

Thanks Very Knowledgeable
In answer to 1. The cricket pitch will stay where it is and the outfield will be enlarged.
Question 2. Please do complete a questionnaire which has two pages of questions plus of course the opportunity to make any additional comments you feel appropriate. This feedback will help shape our "plans"which are merely ideas at this stage. We will then inform residents or other stakeholders once we have definitive plans, based on their requests.
The main focus of any potential redevelopment on site is to improve / replace the clubhouse to make it more accessible to a wider range of community groups of all ages for sporting and social activities.
Without wishing to remain off topic, please do contact me directly to discuss.MikeGoode

Thanks Very Knowledgeable

In answer to 1. The cricket pitch will stay where it is and the outfield will be enlarged.

Question 2. Please do complete a questionnaire which has two pages of questions plus of course the opportunity to make any additional comments you feel appropriate. This feedback will help shape our "plans"which are merely ideas at this stage. We will then inform residents or other stakeholders once we have definitive plans, based on their requests.

The main focus of any potential redevelopment on site is to improve / replace the clubhouse to make it more accessible to a wider range of community groups of all ages for sporting and social activities.

Without wishing to remain off topic, please do contact me directly to discuss.

Score: -6

Jabbadad
1:52pm Wed 18 Jun 14

Well if the new comments are so, this puts quite a different slant on this . Let's hope that the Croquete club are not money driven, since communty involvements are the most important things we have. And Villages can teach many lareger communties what that really means and is to be both admired, and hugely Valued.
I think that all sides need to start back at day one when all was well for everyone, then move forwards at a pace that is in the interests and respect of all concerned.
All objections can be overcome with sensible communication.
Many wars would not have happened with honest and sensible debates, without Religion or politics involved.

Well if the new comments are so, this puts quite a different slant on this . Let's hope that the Croquete club are not money driven, since communty involvements are the most important things we have. And Villages can teach many lareger communties what that really means and is to be both admired, and hugely Valued.
I think that all sides need to start back at day one when all was well for everyone, then move forwards at a pace that is in the interests and respect of all concerned.
All objections can be overcome with sensible communication.
Many wars would not have happened with honest and sensible debates, without Religion or politics involved.Jabbadad

Well if the new comments are so, this puts quite a different slant on this . Let's hope that the Croquete club are not money driven, since communty involvements are the most important things we have. And Villages can teach many lareger communties what that really means and is to be both admired, and hugely Valued.
I think that all sides need to start back at day one when all was well for everyone, then move forwards at a pace that is in the interests and respect of all concerned.
All objections can be overcome with sensible communication.
Many wars would not have happened with honest and sensible debates, without Religion or politics involved.

Score: 4

Very knowledgeable
2:03pm Wed 18 Jun 14

Dear Mr Goode,

I may have been misinformed on some points, but I think the gist is right? I apologise if I've made any errors. The key points I wanted to make are:

1. non-players cannot join the cricket club
2. the plan as you describe it will move the currently hazardous pitch away from one group of houses and closer to another
3. none of those residents have been informed of the plans to move the pitch closer to their homes, conservatories, pets or children.

I think if someone was planning to build something hazardous next to your house you'd want to know about it!

Are any of those 3 statements incorrect?

Dear Mr Goode,
I may have been misinformed on some points, but I think the gist is right? I apologise if I've made any errors. The key points I wanted to make are:
1. non-players cannot join the cricket club
2. the plan as you describe it will move the currently hazardous pitch away from one group of houses and closer to another
3. none of those residents have been informed of the plans to move the pitch closer to their homes, conservatories, pets or children.
I think if someone was planning to build something hazardous next to your house you'd want to know about it!
Are any of those 3 statements incorrect?Very knowledgeable

Dear Mr Goode,

I may have been misinformed on some points, but I think the gist is right? I apologise if I've made any errors. The key points I wanted to make are:

1. non-players cannot join the cricket club
2. the plan as you describe it will move the currently hazardous pitch away from one group of houses and closer to another
3. none of those residents have been informed of the plans to move the pitch closer to their homes, conservatories, pets or children.

I think if someone was planning to build something hazardous next to your house you'd want to know about it!

Are any of those 3 statements incorrect?

Score: 8

LadyNewsWorcester56
2:23pm Wed 18 Jun 14

MikeGoode wrote…

Very knowledgeable You are very knowledgeable indeed although a couple of your facts are questionable. Perhaps we could meet up and discuss at some point? Always open to ideas and suggestions from interested parties to both preserve and develop the community facilities we provide for maximum benefit.

May I be so bold as to suggest that now there appears to be more to this then any questionable facts should be corrected in this open forum . . .

[quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote:
Very knowledgeable You are very knowledgeable indeed although a couple of your facts are questionable. Perhaps we could meet up and discuss at some point? Always open to ideas and suggestions from interested parties to both preserve and develop the community facilities we provide for maximum benefit.[/p][/quote]May I be so bold as to suggest that now there appears to be more to this then any questionable facts should be corrected in this open forum . . .LadyNewsWorcester56

MikeGoode wrote…

Very knowledgeable You are very knowledgeable indeed although a couple of your facts are questionable. Perhaps we could meet up and discuss at some point? Always open to ideas and suggestions from interested parties to both preserve and develop the community facilities we provide for maximum benefit.

May I be so bold as to suggest that now there appears to be more to this then any questionable facts should be corrected in this open forum . . .

Score: 6

MikeGoode
2:33pm Wed 18 Jun 14

Hi Very Knowledgeable

Yes the gist is correct:

I am a non playing member. The clubhouse is open to non members. The new weekly youth club are not members.

A consultation questionnaire undertaken in conjunction with the Parish Council is currently out with the community and around 80 replies received so far to look at future options. This should broaden the scope of membership and community use of the facilities. Have you completed one?

Once we have gathered opinions we will look to put forward proposals in line with planning requirements.

As this thread suggests, we are keen to engage with the wider community
and build on the success of Norton community games and the youth club. I would be keen to meet to talk about our medium terms plans. If you are local, you will know how to contact me.

In the short term we are straying off topic, away from the safety concerns and rising costs of damage which gave rise to asking the croquet to relocate.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Hi Very Knowledgeable
Yes the gist is correct:
I am a non playing member. The clubhouse is open to non members. The new weekly youth club are not members.
A consultation questionnaire undertaken in conjunction with the Parish Council is currently out with the community and around 80 replies received so far to look at future options. This should broaden the scope of membership and community use of the facilities. Have you completed one?
Once we have gathered opinions we will look to put forward proposals in line with planning requirements.
As this thread suggests, we are keen to engage with the wider community
and build on the success of Norton community games and the youth club. I would be keen to meet to talk about our medium terms plans. If you are local, you will know how to contact me.
In the short term we are straying off topic, away from the safety concerns and rising costs of damage which gave rise to asking the croquet to relocate.
Your contribution is appreciated.MikeGoode

Hi Very Knowledgeable

Yes the gist is correct:

I am a non playing member. The clubhouse is open to non members. The new weekly youth club are not members.

A consultation questionnaire undertaken in conjunction with the Parish Council is currently out with the community and around 80 replies received so far to look at future options. This should broaden the scope of membership and community use of the facilities. Have you completed one?

Once we have gathered opinions we will look to put forward proposals in line with planning requirements.

As this thread suggests, we are keen to engage with the wider community
and build on the success of Norton community games and the youth club. I would be keen to meet to talk about our medium terms plans. If you are local, you will know how to contact me.

In the short term we are straying off topic, away from the safety concerns and rising costs of damage which gave rise to asking the croquet to relocate.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Score: 0

A non mouse
2:53pm Wed 18 Jun 14

"Asking" ! I can't imagine many tennants who have been evicted from their homes of nearly 30 years feel like they've been "asked".

"Asking" ! I can't imagine many tennants who have been evicted from their homes of nearly 30 years feel like they've been "asked".A non mouse

"Asking" ! I can't imagine many tennants who have been evicted from their homes of nearly 30 years feel like they've been "asked".

Score: 6

NigelThornberry
3:19pm Wed 18 Jun 14

I once played a Croquet match. It was rubbish.

I once played a Croquet match. It was rubbish.NigelThornberry

I once played a Croquet match. It was rubbish.

Score: 2

themooman
4:03pm Wed 18 Jun 14

themooman wrote…

Jabbadad wrote…

I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move? I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..

well, that escalated quickly!

Jabbadad i refer to your line "And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6," If players had the ability to drop the ball 1 yard over the boundary every time they would have the ability to play to England because that would take incredible placement!!

Im sorry, but if a bowler is going to put the ball in an area that allows you too smash it out of the ground - through houses / croquet pitches / cars then its actually the bowler that needs a talking too, bowl straight, just back of a length and all these issues should be recitifed!!

[quote][p][bold]themooman[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Jabbadad[/bold] wrote: I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move? I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..[/p][/quote]well, that escalated quickly![/p][/quote]Jabbadad i refer to your line "And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6," If players had the ability to drop the ball 1 yard over the boundary every time they would have the ability to play to England because that would take incredible placement!!
Im sorry, but if a bowler is going to put the ball in an area that allows you too smash it out of the ground - through houses / croquet pitches / cars then its actually the bowler that needs a talking too, bowl straight, just back of a length and all these issues should be recitifed!!themooman

themooman wrote…

Jabbadad wrote…

I think that to push the problem onto other agencies / faciliteis (Mike Goodes comments) is passing the buck for these cricketers who are treating these elderly people just a little badly in order to allow the cricketers to bash a ball as far as they can, even though a hard cricket ball can and does cause damage to people and property. And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6, surely you don't get bounus runs for hitting people or neighbours property, are they the next to be asked to move? I see this perhaps as an Age Discrimination issue, and if Croquet is a sport that Disabled can play or this croquet club has any disabled members, there may also be a Disabiltiy Equality issue here. If so Norton Cricket Club might have bigger problems than they can imagine..

well, that escalated quickly!

Jabbadad i refer to your line "And where is the need to hit a ball way past the boundry line in order to score a 6," If players had the ability to drop the ball 1 yard over the boundary every time they would have the ability to play to England because that would take incredible placement!!

Im sorry, but if a bowler is going to put the ball in an area that allows you too smash it out of the ground - through houses / croquet pitches / cars then its actually the bowler that needs a talking too, bowl straight, just back of a length and all these issues should be recitifed!!

Score: 2

Very knowledgeable
4:27pm Wed 18 Jun 14

Dear Mr Goode,

Thanks for the response and nicely dodged. I do not play cricket, nor can I. I have no knowledge or understanding of the sport at all. Can I join please? But, I agree that the membership issue is "off topic". At the end of your post you do say: "In the short term we are straying off topic, away from the safety concerns..."

So getting back on-topic and your safety concerns, as outlined by you in the original article. I would repeat my last two points as questions:
1. Will the new plan move the pitch closer to another group of houses?
2. Have any residents been informed or consulted regarding the plans to move the pitch closer to their homes, conservatories, pets and children?

Could you answer the above two points please?

Dear Mr Goode,
Thanks for the response and nicely dodged. I do not play cricket, nor can I. I have no knowledge or understanding of the sport at all. Can I join please? But, I agree that the membership issue is "off topic". At the end of your post you do say: "In the short term we are straying off topic, away from the safety concerns..."
So getting back on-topic and your safety concerns, as outlined by you in the original article. I would repeat my last two points as questions:
1. Will the new plan move the pitch closer to another group of houses?
2. Have any residents been informed or consulted regarding the plans to move the pitch closer to their homes, conservatories, pets and children?
Could you answer the above two points please?Very knowledgeable

Dear Mr Goode,

Thanks for the response and nicely dodged. I do not play cricket, nor can I. I have no knowledge or understanding of the sport at all. Can I join please? But, I agree that the membership issue is "off topic". At the end of your post you do say: "In the short term we are straying off topic, away from the safety concerns..."

So getting back on-topic and your safety concerns, as outlined by you in the original article. I would repeat my last two points as questions:
1. Will the new plan move the pitch closer to another group of houses?
2. Have any residents been informed or consulted regarding the plans to move the pitch closer to their homes, conservatories, pets and children?

Could you answer the above two points please?

Score: 7

Very knowledgeable
5:17pm Wed 18 Jun 14

Dear Mr Goode,

1. The pitch will stay where it is? But in the article you said: "By extending the cricket pitch onto the existing croquet area we can move away from the houses at one end". I had assumed that the pitch will stay where it is! However, the wicket will move - YES? Or more simply put: Will the man who hits the balls be closer to the other houses than he is now?

2. so you've not told them have you?

YES / NOs will suffice. I'm thinking it's a "YES" and a "NO"?

Dear Mr Goode,
1. The pitch will stay where it is? But in the article you said: "By extending the cricket pitch onto the existing croquet area we can move away from the houses at one end". I had assumed that the pitch will stay where it is! However, the wicket will move - YES? Or more simply put: Will the man who hits the balls be closer to the other houses than he is now?
2. so you've not told them have you?
YES / NOs will suffice. I'm thinking it's a "YES" and a "NO"?Very knowledgeable

Dear Mr Goode,

1. The pitch will stay where it is? But in the article you said: "By extending the cricket pitch onto the existing croquet area we can move away from the houses at one end". I had assumed that the pitch will stay where it is! However, the wicket will move - YES? Or more simply put: Will the man who hits the balls be closer to the other houses than he is now?

2. so you've not told them have you?

YES / NOs will suffice. I'm thinking it's a "YES" and a "NO"?

Score: 8

A non mouse
8:59pm Wed 18 Jun 14

Hang on a minute Mr Goode. First the croquet club is evicted because of H&S concerns, then it's because the cricket club wants to expand (in order for this privately run business to become financially viable no doubt). Which is it? These elderly (mostly) members of our community deserve the truth. And if this questionnaire is so important, why evict them BEFORE the results are known?

Hang on a minute Mr Goode. First the croquet club is evicted because of H&S concerns, then it's because the cricket club wants to expand (in order for this privately run business to become financially viable no doubt). Which is it? These elderly (mostly) members of our community deserve the truth. And if this questionnaire is so important, why evict them BEFORE the results are known?A non mouse

Hang on a minute Mr Goode. First the croquet club is evicted because of H&S concerns, then it's because the cricket club wants to expand (in order for this privately run business to become financially viable no doubt). Which is it? These elderly (mostly) members of our community deserve the truth. And if this questionnaire is so important, why evict them BEFORE the results are known?

Score: 5

LadyNewsWorcester56
6:32am Thu 19 Jun 14

I'm getting confused. We've been told that we're being evicted because of health & safety concerns. It's very nice to know that you are truly concerned about our health and our safety. However it now appears, in reality, to boil down to money and the aspirations of a few cricketers. From what has been said in both the original article and the various comments, it sounds more as if the Cricket Club division of WNSC Ltd can't afford to continue to play on the top field because the type of cricket they are or want to play is causing damage to the local residence. That's it in a nut shell, isn't it? So, if the Cricket Club can't truly afford to continue to play because of rising repair costs then how is it they can suddenly afford to knock down the stewards house which is part of the curt ledge of the barracks and dispose of all the rumble etc; cut down and dig up two very mature trees which I understand both have preservation orders; dig out and flatten the laurel hedgerows not to mention digging up and again then disposing of all the concrete, bricks and tarmac plus laying to grass this new flatted 'out field?' Work which we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league? And, presumably this work is being undertaken by WNSC Ltd rather than the Cricket Club? Whoever is paying for the works I assume that planning permission has or is being granted for such a large project as this? I haven't seen any public notices around the area. And, that both the local community, the Parish Council, the District Council and even the local church are all in agreement? Plus all the residence of those properties that will be directly affected by such a huge change to the environment? What if there isn't agreement? What if the cricketers don't qualify? What will happen then? It seems to me that a more agreeable solution all round will be for the Cricket Club to admit that they have actually outgrown their current location which as a coach I applause as an accolade, a credit, to the training and effort of the team and club members. The children's / youth teams could still play and be coached on the top field thus continuing many years of cricket at the barracks. But the adult team/s need to relocate maybe to the village hall field for the important matches. Finally, Erect fencing, just incase and leave us, Worcester Norton Croquet Club an independent sports club and nothing to do WNSC Ltd other than as a tenant of nearly thirty years, of the old barracks ménage and stable area, where we are. Allow us to improve our infrastructure. This must be a cheaper solution as well as a safer solution, all round?

I'm getting confused. We've been told that we're being evicted because of health & safety concerns. It's very nice to know that you are truly concerned about our health and our safety. However it now appears, in reality, to boil down to money and the aspirations of a few cricketers. From what has been said in both the original article and the various comments, it sounds more as if the Cricket Club division of WNSC Ltd can't afford to continue to play on the top field because the type of cricket they are or want to play is causing damage to the local residence. That's it in a nut shell, isn't it? So, if the Cricket Club can't truly afford to continue to play because of rising repair costs then how is it they can suddenly afford to knock down the stewards house which is part of the curt ledge of the barracks and dispose of all the rumble etc; cut down and dig up two very mature trees which I understand both have preservation orders; dig out and flatten the laurel hedgerows not to mention digging up and again then disposing of all the concrete, bricks and tarmac plus laying to grass this new flatted 'out field?' Work which we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league? And, presumably this work is being undertaken by WNSC Ltd rather than the Cricket Club? Whoever is paying for the works I assume that planning permission has or is being granted for such a large project as this? I haven't seen any public notices around the area. And, that both the local community, the Parish Council, the District Council and even the local church are all in agreement? Plus all the residence of those properties that will be directly affected by such a huge change to the environment? What if there isn't agreement? What if the cricketers don't qualify? What will happen then? It seems to me that a more agreeable solution all round will be for the Cricket Club to admit that they have actually outgrown their current location which as a coach I applause as an accolade, a credit, to the training and effort of the team and club members. The children's / youth teams could still play and be coached on the top field thus continuing many years of cricket at the barracks. But the adult team/s need to relocate maybe to the village hall field for the important matches. Finally, Erect fencing, just incase and leave us, Worcester Norton Croquet Club an independent sports club and nothing to do WNSC Ltd other than as a tenant of nearly thirty years, of the old barracks ménage and stable area, where we are. Allow us to improve our infrastructure. This must be a cheaper solution as well as a safer solution, all round?LadyNewsWorcester56

I'm getting confused. We've been told that we're being evicted because of health & safety concerns. It's very nice to know that you are truly concerned about our health and our safety. However it now appears, in reality, to boil down to money and the aspirations of a few cricketers. From what has been said in both the original article and the various comments, it sounds more as if the Cricket Club division of WNSC Ltd can't afford to continue to play on the top field because the type of cricket they are or want to play is causing damage to the local residence. That's it in a nut shell, isn't it? So, if the Cricket Club can't truly afford to continue to play because of rising repair costs then how is it they can suddenly afford to knock down the stewards house which is part of the curt ledge of the barracks and dispose of all the rumble etc; cut down and dig up two very mature trees which I understand both have preservation orders; dig out and flatten the laurel hedgerows not to mention digging up and again then disposing of all the concrete, bricks and tarmac plus laying to grass this new flatted 'out field?' Work which we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league? And, presumably this work is being undertaken by WNSC Ltd rather than the Cricket Club? Whoever is paying for the works I assume that planning permission has or is being granted for such a large project as this? I haven't seen any public notices around the area. And, that both the local community, the Parish Council, the District Council and even the local church are all in agreement? Plus all the residence of those properties that will be directly affected by such a huge change to the environment? What if there isn't agreement? What if the cricketers don't qualify? What will happen then? It seems to me that a more agreeable solution all round will be for the Cricket Club to admit that they have actually outgrown their current location which as a coach I applause as an accolade, a credit, to the training and effort of the team and club members. The children's / youth teams could still play and be coached on the top field thus continuing many years of cricket at the barracks. But the adult team/s need to relocate maybe to the village hall field for the important matches. Finally, Erect fencing, just incase and leave us, Worcester Norton Croquet Club an independent sports club and nothing to do WNSC Ltd other than as a tenant of nearly thirty years, of the old barracks ménage and stable area, where we are. Allow us to improve our infrastructure. This must be a cheaper solution as well as a safer solution, all round?

Score: 8

MikeGoode
9:12am Thu 19 Jun 14

Thanks All.

Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club.

The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point.

Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off.

The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground.

Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?

Thanks All.
Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club.
The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point.
Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off.
The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground.
Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?MikeGoode

Thanks All.

Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club.

The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point.

Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off.

The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground.

Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?

Score: 2

A non mouse
9:15am Thu 19 Jun 14

Well said LadyNewsWorcester56. As a local resident I fully agree with you. Perhaps you need your own questionnaire? Just don't include a question that says "Would you use the facility more if it offered more activities" (as no one can answer that without being able to see into the future to work out what extra activities there may be) and be sure to include a "please return by" date!

Dear cricket club. It's time to stop being mean spirited and start being community spirited. We've put men on the moon; find a way to stop balls being hit out of the park.

Well said LadyNewsWorcester56. As a local resident I fully agree with you. Perhaps you need your own questionnaire? Just don't include a question that says "Would you use the facility more if it offered more activities" (as no one can answer that without being able to see into the future to work out what extra activities there may be) and be sure to include a "please return by" date!
Dear cricket club. It's time to stop being mean spirited and start being community spirited. We've put men on the moon; find a way to stop balls being hit out of the park.A non mouse

Well said LadyNewsWorcester56. As a local resident I fully agree with you. Perhaps you need your own questionnaire? Just don't include a question that says "Would you use the facility more if it offered more activities" (as no one can answer that without being able to see into the future to work out what extra activities there may be) and be sure to include a "please return by" date!

Dear cricket club. It's time to stop being mean spirited and start being community spirited. We've put men on the moon; find a way to stop balls being hit out of the park.

Score: 7

themooman
10:23am Thu 19 Jun 14

Jabbadad wrote…

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.

Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight.

I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level.

LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years.

Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer.

Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards!

[quote][p][bold]Jabbadad[/bold] wrote:
themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.[/p][/quote]Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight.
I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level.
LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years.
Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer.
Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards!themooman

Jabbadad wrote…

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.

Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight.

I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level.

LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years.

Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer.

Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards!

Score: 2

MikeGoode
10:26am Thu 19 Jun 14

A non mouse.

That's not one of the 13 questions in the questionnaire?

This covers the entire community, not just the sports club. As for wider community use you might like to look here www.nortonct.co.uk.

My final word on this forum is to urge you all to use the opportunity to have your say on what you might like to see in norton community which will help shape our plans.

Thanks again all.

A non mouse.
That's not one of the 13 questions in the questionnaire?
This covers the entire community, not just the sports club. As for wider community use you might like to look here www.nortonct.co.uk.
My final word on this forum is to urge you all to use the opportunity to have your say on what you might like to see in norton community which will help shape our plans.
Thanks again all.MikeGoode

A non mouse.

That's not one of the 13 questions in the questionnaire?

This covers the entire community, not just the sports club. As for wider community use you might like to look here www.nortonct.co.uk.

My final word on this forum is to urge you all to use the opportunity to have your say on what you might like to see in norton community which will help shape our plans.

Thanks again all.

Score: -2

A non mouse
10:46am Thu 19 Jun 14

MikeGoode wrote…

A non mouse.

That's not one of the 13 questions in the questionnaire?

This covers the entire community, not just the sports club. As for wider community use you might like to look here www.nortonct.co.uk.

My final word on this forum is to urge you all to use the opportunity to have your say on what you might like to see in norton community which will help shape our plans.

Thanks again all.

Don't have it on me, but recall it being question 9.

[quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote:
A non mouse.
That's not one of the 13 questions in the questionnaire?
This covers the entire community, not just the sports club. As for wider community use you might like to look here www.nortonct.co.uk.
My final word on this forum is to urge you all to use the opportunity to have your say on what you might like to see in norton community which will help shape our plans.
Thanks again all.[/p][/quote]Don't have it on me, but recall it being question 9.A non mouse

MikeGoode wrote…

A non mouse.

That's not one of the 13 questions in the questionnaire?

This covers the entire community, not just the sports club. As for wider community use you might like to look here www.nortonct.co.uk.

My final word on this forum is to urge you all to use the opportunity to have your say on what you might like to see in norton community which will help shape our plans.

Thanks again all.

Don't have it on me, but recall it being question 9.

Score: 3

LadyNewsWorcester56
1:06pm Thu 19 Jun 14

themooman wrote…

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

MikeGoode wrote…

Thanks All. Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club. The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point. Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off. The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground. Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?

So - Mr Goode - I was right. "No brainer", as my son just said - a dozen hits out of the ground, it the cricketers that are at fault mum NOT THE CROQUET PLAYERS. Why won't you just admit that the cricketers have out grown the field? It appears that plans haven't been agreed and no demolish works are starting in September. Are the owners of all the dwellings around the cricket field also going to be evicted becasue the cricket club can't afford to pay the repair bills? As a cricket club they must have insurance? They do have insurance or can't they afford the premiums because of all the claims being made? As far as I am aware we at the Croquet Club have never made a claim against the Cricket Club but we are being made the scape goat for everyone else. How unfair is that?

The cricketers havent outgrown the ground - players were hitting the ball out of the ground 30 years ago, As Worcester CC have said its the insurance prices and health and safety rules that have outgrown the club, Its alot more feasible for a croquet club to set up elsewhere - requiring a maximum 35 yards x 28 yards, than a cricket club who require alot more space ( i believe it is roughly 45 yards either side of the pitch.) Its not a question of fairness, its a question financial hierachy and participation levels, by the looks of it the croquet players fall to bottom of the list on both.

Thank you for your comment, 'themooman'

Yes the playing area for one lawn is 35 x 28 yards. But CA rules require a minumum of 1.5 yards around the lawn edge. We currently have two lawns and a space about the size of a third lawn on which is our clubhouse and space for vehicles. We also have power and water. So I suppose our total yardage is some where around 85 x 40 yards = 3400 sq yards.

45 yards either side of the pitch. by pitch do you mean the wicket?

[quote][p][bold]themooman[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]LadyNewsWorcester56[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote: Thanks All. Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club. The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point. Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off. The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground. Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?[/p][/quote]So - Mr Goode - I was right. "No brainer", as my son just said - a dozen hits out of the ground, it the cricketers that are at fault mum NOT THE CROQUET PLAYERS. Why won't you just admit that the cricketers have out grown the field? It appears that plans haven't been agreed and no demolish works are starting in September. Are the owners of all the dwellings around the cricket field also going to be evicted becasue the cricket club can't afford to pay the repair bills? As a cricket club they must have insurance? They do have insurance or can't they afford the premiums because of all the claims being made? As far as I am aware we at the Croquet Club have never made a claim against the Cricket Club but we are being made the scape goat for everyone else. How unfair is that?[/p][/quote]The cricketers havent outgrown the ground - players were hitting the ball out of the ground 30 years ago, As Worcester CC have said its the insurance prices and health and safety rules that have outgrown the club, Its alot more feasible for a croquet club to set up elsewhere - requiring a maximum 35 yards x 28 yards, than a cricket club who require alot more space ( i believe it is roughly 45 yards either side of the pitch.) Its not a question of fairness, its a question financial hierachy and participation levels, by the looks of it the croquet players fall to bottom of the list on both.[/p][/quote]Thank you for your comment, 'themooman'
Yes the playing area for one lawn is 35 x 28 yards. But CA rules require a minumum of 1.5 yards around the lawn edge. We currently have two lawns and a space about the size of a third lawn on which is our clubhouse and space for vehicles. We also have power and water. So I suppose our total yardage is some where around 85 x 40 yards = 3400 sq yards.
45 yards either side of the pitch. by pitch do you mean the wicket?LadyNewsWorcester56

themooman wrote…

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

MikeGoode wrote…

Thanks All. Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club. The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point. Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off. The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground. Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?

So - Mr Goode - I was right. "No brainer", as my son just said - a dozen hits out of the ground, it the cricketers that are at fault mum NOT THE CROQUET PLAYERS. Why won't you just admit that the cricketers have out grown the field? It appears that plans haven't been agreed and no demolish works are starting in September. Are the owners of all the dwellings around the cricket field also going to be evicted becasue the cricket club can't afford to pay the repair bills? As a cricket club they must have insurance? They do have insurance or can't they afford the premiums because of all the claims being made? As far as I am aware we at the Croquet Club have never made a claim against the Cricket Club but we are being made the scape goat for everyone else. How unfair is that?

The cricketers havent outgrown the ground - players were hitting the ball out of the ground 30 years ago, As Worcester CC have said its the insurance prices and health and safety rules that have outgrown the club, Its alot more feasible for a croquet club to set up elsewhere - requiring a maximum 35 yards x 28 yards, than a cricket club who require alot more space ( i believe it is roughly 45 yards either side of the pitch.) Its not a question of fairness, its a question financial hierachy and participation levels, by the looks of it the croquet players fall to bottom of the list on both.

Thank you for your comment, 'themooman'

Yes the playing area for one lawn is 35 x 28 yards. But CA rules require a minumum of 1.5 yards around the lawn edge. We currently have two lawns and a space about the size of a third lawn on which is our clubhouse and space for vehicles. We also have power and water. So I suppose our total yardage is some where around 85 x 40 yards = 3400 sq yards.

45 yards either side of the pitch. by pitch do you mean the wicket?

Score: 3

LadyNewsWorcester56
12:25pm Thu 19 Jun 14

MikeGoode wrote…

Thanks All. Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club. The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point. Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off. The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground. Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?

So - Mr Goode - I was right. "No brainer", as my son just said - a dozen hits out of the ground, it the cricketers that are at fault mum NOT THE CROQUET PLAYERS. Why won't you just admit that the cricketers have out grown the field? It appears that plans haven't been agreed and no demolish works are starting in September. Are the owners of all the dwellings around the cricket field also going to be evicted becasue the cricket club can't afford to pay the repair bills? As a cricket club they must have insurance? They do have insurance or can't they afford the premiums because of all the claims being made? As far as I am aware we at the Croquet Club have never made a claim against the Cricket Club but we are being made the scape goat for everyone else. How unfair is that?

[quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote:
Thanks All. Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club. The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point. Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off. The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground. Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?[/p][/quote]So - Mr Goode - I was right. "No brainer", as my son just said - a dozen hits out of the ground, it the cricketers that are at fault mum NOT THE CROQUET PLAYERS. Why won't you just admit that the cricketers have out grown the field? It appears that plans haven't been agreed and no demolish works are starting in September. Are the owners of all the dwellings around the cricket field also going to be evicted becasue the cricket club can't afford to pay the repair bills? As a cricket club they must have insurance? They do have insurance or can't they afford the premiums because of all the claims being made? As far as I am aware we at the Croquet Club have never made a claim against the Cricket Club but we are being made the scape goat for everyone else. How unfair is that?LadyNewsWorcester56

MikeGoode wrote…

Thanks All. Some very interesting feedback and we would be pleased to hear your views if you care to send them via the club. The Health & Safety caused by flying cricket balls is a current issue which needs to be addressed from a risk / cost / insurance perspective now. This has steadily increased year on year to crisis point. Improving the site for wider community use, not just cricket is a longer term aspiration and not yet manifested into a tangible plan. This may take some years to come off. The risk of being hit by balls exists today. Two sundays ago in one match I saw a dozen balls hit out of the ground. The next day we received bills for damage to property. Even cricketers as young as 15 hit out of the ground. Simple question - Where would we stand if someone was hit tomorrow and who would they sue?

So - Mr Goode - I was right. "No brainer", as my son just said - a dozen hits out of the ground, it the cricketers that are at fault mum NOT THE CROQUET PLAYERS. Why won't you just admit that the cricketers have out grown the field? It appears that plans haven't been agreed and no demolish works are starting in September. Are the owners of all the dwellings around the cricket field also going to be evicted becasue the cricket club can't afford to pay the repair bills? As a cricket club they must have insurance? They do have insurance or can't they afford the premiums because of all the claims being made? As far as I am aware we at the Croquet Club have never made a claim against the Cricket Club but we are being made the scape goat for everyone else. How unfair is that?

Score: 7

NigelThornberry
12:41pm Thu 19 Jun 14

You know Worcester hasn't got many problems when one of the most commented on articles in the local paper is about a croquet pitch. It reminds me of when the London riots were going on and the main headline in the Worcester News was "Man Kicks Seagull Into Shop".

You know Worcester hasn't got many problems when one of the most commented on articles in the local paper is about a croquet pitch. It reminds me of when the London riots were going on and the main headline in the Worcester News was "Man Kicks Seagull Into Shop".NigelThornberry

You know Worcester hasn't got many problems when one of the most commented on articles in the local paper is about a croquet pitch. It reminds me of when the London riots were going on and the main headline in the Worcester News was "Man Kicks Seagull Into Shop".

Score: 4

LadyNewsWorcester56
12:44pm Thu 19 Jun 14

themooman wrote…

Jabbadad wrote…

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.

Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight. I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level. LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years. Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer. Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards!

Thank you 'themooman' for confirming that this is all dreams. As a coach I am fully aware of the developmental needs of clubs and players. I would also encourage you to look at the Croquet Association website where you will see that our sport is played in schools, coleges, universities etc - it can be played by anyone and everyone, with or without a disability and a much larger playing age range than I suspect that of a cricket.

[quote][p][bold]themooman[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Jabbadad[/bold] wrote: themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.[/p][/quote]Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight. I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level. LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years. Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer. Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards![/p][/quote]Thank you 'themooman' for confirming that this is all dreams. As a coach I am fully aware of the developmental needs of clubs and players. I would also encourage you to look at the Croquet Association website where you will see that our sport is played in schools, coleges, universities etc - it can be played by anyone and everyone, with or without a disability and a much larger playing age range than I suspect that of a cricket.LadyNewsWorcester56

themooman wrote…

Jabbadad wrote…

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.

Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight. I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level. LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years. Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer. Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards!

Thank you 'themooman' for confirming that this is all dreams. As a coach I am fully aware of the developmental needs of clubs and players. I would also encourage you to look at the Croquet Association website where you will see that our sport is played in schools, coleges, universities etc - it can be played by anyone and everyone, with or without a disability and a much larger playing age range than I suspect that of a cricket.

Score: 7

themooman
1:35pm Thu 19 Jun 14

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

themooman wrote…

Jabbadad wrote…

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.

Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight. I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level. LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years. Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer. Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards!

Thank you 'themooman' for confirming that this is all dreams. As a coach I am fully aware of the developmental needs of clubs and players. I would also encourage you to look at the Croquet Association website where you will see that our sport is played in schools, coleges, universities etc - it can be played by anyone and everyone, with or without a disability and a much larger playing age range than I suspect that of a cricket.

Cricket can also be played with or without disability may i direct you to the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities website, with regards to much larger playing age range - have a look at "The Fossils" cricket club and the Worcestershire County Cricket Club over 70's.

I have no doubt that croquet is played in schools, colleges and universitie - Although only 1 university has a recognised club that being Oxford who also have 2 cricket teams., however, from my own experience I have never came across croquet, and i have coached and worked with many schools not only in Worcester but in the Devon region aswell. The closest I have ever come to croquet was one christmas when my father was gifted a croquet set - it was never used.

By pitch, yes i do mean wickets :)

[quote][p][bold]LadyNewsWorcester56[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]themooman[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Jabbadad[/bold] wrote: themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.[/p][/quote]Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight. I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level. LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years. Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer. Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards![/p][/quote]Thank you 'themooman' for confirming that this is all dreams. As a coach I am fully aware of the developmental needs of clubs and players. I would also encourage you to look at the Croquet Association website where you will see that our sport is played in schools, coleges, universities etc - it can be played by anyone and everyone, with or without a disability and a much larger playing age range than I suspect that of a cricket.[/p][/quote]Cricket can also be played with or without disability may i direct you to the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities website, with regards to much larger playing age range - have a look at "The Fossils" cricket club and the Worcestershire County Cricket Club over 70's.
I have no doubt that croquet is played in schools, colleges and universitie - Although only 1 university has a recognised club that being Oxford who also have 2 cricket teams., however, from my own experience I have never came across croquet, and i have coached and worked with many schools not only in Worcester but in the Devon region aswell. The closest I have ever come to croquet was one christmas when my father was gifted a croquet set - it was never used.
By pitch, yes i do mean wickets :)themooman

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

themooman wrote…

Jabbadad wrote…

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.

Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight. I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level. LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years. Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer. Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards!

Thank you 'themooman' for confirming that this is all dreams. As a coach I am fully aware of the developmental needs of clubs and players. I would also encourage you to look at the Croquet Association website where you will see that our sport is played in schools, coleges, universities etc - it can be played by anyone and everyone, with or without a disability and a much larger playing age range than I suspect that of a cricket.

Cricket can also be played with or without disability may i direct you to the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities website, with regards to much larger playing age range - have a look at "The Fossils" cricket club and the Worcestershire County Cricket Club over 70's.

I have no doubt that croquet is played in schools, colleges and universitie - Although only 1 university has a recognised club that being Oxford who also have 2 cricket teams., however, from my own experience I have never came across croquet, and i have coached and worked with many schools not only in Worcester but in the Devon region aswell. The closest I have ever come to croquet was one christmas when my father was gifted a croquet set - it was never used.

By pitch, yes i do mean wickets :)

Score: 5

LadyNewsWorcester56
1:46pm Thu 19 Jun 14

themooman wrote…

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

themooman wrote…

Jabbadad wrote…

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.

Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight. I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level. LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years. Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer. Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards!

Thank you 'themooman' for confirming that this is all dreams. As a coach I am fully aware of the developmental needs of clubs and players. I would also encourage you to look at the Croquet Association website where you will see that our sport is played in schools, coleges, universities etc - it can be played by anyone and everyone, with or without a disability and a much larger playing age range than I suspect that of a cricket.

Cricket can also be played with or without disability may i direct you to the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities website, with regards to much larger playing age range - have a look at "The Fossils" cricket club and the Worcestershire County Cricket Club over 70's. I have no doubt that croquet is played in schools, colleges and universitie - Although only 1 university has a recognised club that being Oxford who also have 2 cricket teams., however, from my own experience I have never came across croquet, and i have coached and worked with many schools not only in Worcester but in the Devon region aswell. The closest I have ever come to croquet was one christmas when my father was gifted a croquet set - it was never used. By pitch, yes i do mean wickets :)

So we are both learning something today. Thanks, themooman :)

[quote][p][bold]themooman[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]LadyNewsWorcester56[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]themooman[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Jabbadad[/bold] wrote: themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.[/p][/quote]Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight. I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level. LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years. Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer. Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards![/p][/quote]Thank you 'themooman' for confirming that this is all dreams. As a coach I am fully aware of the developmental needs of clubs and players. I would also encourage you to look at the Croquet Association website where you will see that our sport is played in schools, coleges, universities etc - it can be played by anyone and everyone, with or without a disability and a much larger playing age range than I suspect that of a cricket.[/p][/quote]Cricket can also be played with or without disability may i direct you to the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities website, with regards to much larger playing age range - have a look at "The Fossils" cricket club and the Worcestershire County Cricket Club over 70's. I have no doubt that croquet is played in schools, colleges and universitie - Although only 1 university has a recognised club that being Oxford who also have 2 cricket teams., however, from my own experience I have never came across croquet, and i have coached and worked with many schools not only in Worcester but in the Devon region aswell. The closest I have ever come to croquet was one christmas when my father was gifted a croquet set - it was never used. By pitch, yes i do mean wickets :)[/p][/quote]So we are both learning something today. Thanks, themooman :)LadyNewsWorcester56

themooman wrote…

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

themooman wrote…

Jabbadad wrote…

themoonman, please don't be pedantic, you know full well what I was trying to say or are you just playing devils advocate? There seems to be more at stake as the comments go on No wonder Mike Goode prefers to go off this discussion site.

Certainly not being pedantic, stipulating a fact, if you had that level of skill, judgement and placement you would be playing at lords / trent bridge at a minimum new road where there is not a croquet pitch in sight. I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here. Fair enough, the croquet club has been there 30 odd years however 2 problems - 1. Nobody really cares about croquet, and 2. Cricket is a far more sustainable sport, played and supported by a much larger audience, this is reflected from school, through colleges and universities and into the adult world. It is reflected via the funding available at a grassroots and proffesional level. LadyNewsWorcester your statement of "we have been told is intend to start in September of this year so the cricketers are ready for the Birmingham league next season, 2015? Presumably the team has qualified for the league as they're at the top of their current league?" is obsolete as Worcester Cricket club have stated they genuine aspirations to play Birmingham League. Its irrelevant if they qualify this year, next year or in 10 years. Having seen how strict the league format is personally you cannot argue with a club who seek to play at the best level possible - attracting more players, generating more income from memberships and sponsorships, bigger crowds to watch games meaning more income generated from the bar etc. Its no brainer. Before anybody asks No, i dont play for Worcester CC, however i do play cricket, and have seen first hand the difference a community focused team can make to children and teenagers, giving them something to aspiring to and work towards!

Thank you 'themooman' for confirming that this is all dreams. As a coach I am fully aware of the developmental needs of clubs and players. I would also encourage you to look at the Croquet Association website where you will see that our sport is played in schools, coleges, universities etc - it can be played by anyone and everyone, with or without a disability and a much larger playing age range than I suspect that of a cricket.

Cricket can also be played with or without disability may i direct you to the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities website, with regards to much larger playing age range - have a look at "The Fossils" cricket club and the Worcestershire County Cricket Club over 70's. I have no doubt that croquet is played in schools, colleges and universitie - Although only 1 university has a recognised club that being Oxford who also have 2 cricket teams., however, from my own experience I have never came across croquet, and i have coached and worked with many schools not only in Worcester but in the Devon region aswell. The closest I have ever come to croquet was one christmas when my father was gifted a croquet set - it was never used. By pitch, yes i do mean wickets :)

So we are both learning something today. Thanks, themooman :)

Score: 3

themooman
2:34pm Thu 19 Jun 14

NigelThornberry wrote…

You know Worcester hasn't got many problems when one of the most commented on articles in the local paper is about a croquet pitch. It reminds me of when the London riots were going on and the main headline in the Worcester News was "Man Kicks Seagull Into Shop".

nobody asked your opion Nige.

[quote][p][bold]NigelThornberry[/bold] wrote:
You know Worcester hasn't got many problems when one of the most commented on articles in the local paper is about a croquet pitch. It reminds me of when the London riots were going on and the main headline in the Worcester News was "Man Kicks Seagull Into Shop".[/p][/quote]nobody asked your opion Nige.themooman

NigelThornberry wrote…

You know Worcester hasn't got many problems when one of the most commented on articles in the local paper is about a croquet pitch. It reminds me of when the London riots were going on and the main headline in the Worcester News was "Man Kicks Seagull Into Shop".

nobody asked your opion Nige.

Score: -5

themooman
2:36pm Thu 19 Jun 14

themooman wrote…

NigelThornberry wrote…

You know Worcester hasn't got many problems when one of the most commented on articles in the local paper is about a croquet pitch. It reminds me of when the London riots were going on and the main headline in the Worcester News was "Man Kicks Seagull Into Shop".

nobody asked your opion Nige.

Opinion*

[quote][p][bold]themooman[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]NigelThornberry[/bold] wrote: You know Worcester hasn't got many problems when one of the most commented on articles in the local paper is about a croquet pitch. It reminds me of when the London riots were going on and the main headline in the Worcester News was "Man Kicks Seagull Into Shop".[/p][/quote]nobody asked your opion Nige.[/p][/quote]Opinion*themooman

themooman wrote…

NigelThornberry wrote…

You know Worcester hasn't got many problems when one of the most commented on articles in the local paper is about a croquet pitch. It reminds me of when the London riots were going on and the main headline in the Worcester News was "Man Kicks Seagull Into Shop".

nobody asked your opion Nige.

Opinion*

Score: -3

Very knowledgeable
2:48pm Thu 19 Jun 14

Themooman posted “I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here”. He’s totally failed to answer my questions! I am dismayed by Mr Goode’s inability to provide basic “yes” or “no” answers to my simple questions. I think that this is all a classic case of a committee suffering from “group think”. No one wants to point out any issues for fear of appearing out of step with the group. As a retired project manager I was involved in several major projects and saw this all too often.

If the club want to redevelop their current site they need a coherent plan with clearly defined goals. Currently it seems that they plan to:
1. Remove the croquet club in order to remove the hazard of croquet players being hit by balls.
2. Extend the cricket pitch onto the old croquet pitch.
3. Move the wicket away from houses where damage has been caused in the past.

I think it would be prudent if they first found out whether this is possible and then consult with the community. A questionnaire as referred to by Mr Goode, whilst useful for the club, does not notify locals as to the club’s plans. IF there are demolitions (of possibly listed buildings), removal of TPO protected trees etc then the club will need planning permission. By embarking on step 1 they are immediately conceding that there is a hazard. Mr Goode says so himself in the original article. But the club has no idea if any of these plans are even possible.

By moving the wicket they are moving the hazard away from some houses, but closer to others. Looking on google earth the site is rather “hemmed in” by housing. The newly threatened local residents would be well within their rights to object to this new hazard introduced by the cricket club – but the club has never told them of this plan. The outcome might be the need for screens or nets at the rear of their properties – that will NOT help win friends in the local community – especially from a club that they most probably cannot join (though Mr Goode is yet to acknowledge or even respond to this point). Again, local residents might be well within their rights to object to netting. Hence, the whole thing might not even be possible, but WNSC have never wondered if it is possible, but step 1 is underway.

In 2009 Mr Goode wrote: “The cricket club is a key community facility which certainly enhances our environment”. For Mr Goode to speak of the cricket club like this flies in the face of his more recent actions: 11 months ago he was trying to sell its land. As he said above it is a “valuable green space”. How valuable were you told Mr Goode? The lure of a bigger pitch elsewhere and the Birmingham league overcame your idea of what enhances your environment?

Since Mr Goode has not answered my questions on this open forum and has instead offered a face to face meeting* I will provide the answers for him:
1. YES – The wicket and the hazardous balls will move closer to the houses at the south-eastern edge of the pitch
2. NO – the local residents are not aware of these plans

Mr Goode has urged us “to use this opportunity to have your say on what you might like to see in Norton community which will help shape our plans.” I think it would be good to see:
1. A cricket club with open membership
2. locals told what your plans are – especially those you plan to put in harm’s way

Finally, Mr Goode wants to know who anyone hit by a ball would sue. Surely, as a limited company, the club is required to have insurance? If the insurance didn’t cover the event then the cricket club could be sued. If that meant having to sell the pitch to cover the costs then Mr Goode would finally get his way – albeit not in the manner he originally intended. Otherwise I think that the company directors would be liable - but I could be wrong on that... and if proved negligent in their duty of care then it could become a criminal matter - depending on the severity of the injury.

*As a woman I plan to stick to basic internet safety and decline to meet a man I have only ever corresponded with in an internet forum. Rather than make such a suggestion Mr Goode should instead learn to answer simple questions with simple answers.

Themooman posted “I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here”. He’s totally failed to answer my questions! I am dismayed by Mr Goode’s inability to provide basic “yes” or “no” answers to my simple questions. I think that this is all a classic case of a committee suffering from “group think”. No one wants to point out any issues for fear of appearing out of step with the group. As a retired project manager I was involved in several major projects and saw this all too often.
If the club want to redevelop their current site they need a coherent plan with clearly defined goals. Currently it seems that they plan to:
1. Remove the croquet club in order to remove the hazard of croquet players being hit by balls.
2. Extend the cricket pitch onto the old croquet pitch.
3. Move the wicket away from houses where damage has been caused in the past.
I think it would be prudent if they first found out whether this is possible and then consult with the community. A questionnaire as referred to by Mr Goode, whilst useful for the club, does not notify locals as to the club’s plans. IF there are demolitions (of possibly listed buildings), removal of TPO protected trees etc then the club will need planning permission. By embarking on step 1 they are immediately conceding that there is a hazard. Mr Goode says so himself in the original article. But the club has no idea if any of these plans are even possible.
By moving the wicket they are moving the hazard away from some houses, but closer to others. Looking on google earth the site is rather “hemmed in” by housing. The newly threatened local residents would be well within their rights to object to this new hazard introduced by the cricket club – but the club has never told them of this plan. The outcome might be the need for screens or nets at the rear of their properties – that will NOT help win friends in the local community – especially from a club that they most probably cannot join (though Mr Goode is yet to acknowledge or even respond to this point). Again, local residents might be well within their rights to object to netting. Hence, the whole thing might not even be possible, but WNSC have never wondered if it is possible, but step 1 is underway.
In 2009 Mr Goode wrote: “The cricket club is a key community facility which certainly enhances our environment”. For Mr Goode to speak of the cricket club like this flies in the face of his more recent actions: 11 months ago he was trying to sell its land. As he said above it is a “valuable green space”. How valuable were you told Mr Goode? The lure of a bigger pitch elsewhere and the Birmingham league overcame your idea of what enhances your environment?
Since Mr Goode has not answered my questions on this open forum and has instead offered a face to face meeting* I will provide the answers for him:
1. YES – The wicket and the hazardous balls will move closer to the houses at the south-eastern edge of the pitch
2. NO – the local residents are not aware of these plans
Mr Goode has urged us “to use this opportunity to have your say on what you might like to see in Norton community which will help shape our plans.” I think it would be good to see:
1. A cricket club with open membership
2. locals told what your plans are – especially those you plan to put in harm’s way
Finally, Mr Goode wants to know who anyone hit by a ball would sue. Surely, as a limited company, the club is required to have insurance? If the insurance didn’t cover the event then the cricket club could be sued. If that meant having to sell the pitch to cover the costs then Mr Goode would finally get his way – albeit not in the manner he originally intended. Otherwise I think that the company directors would be liable - but I could be wrong on that... and if proved negligent in their duty of care then it could become a criminal matter - depending on the severity of the injury.
*As a woman I plan to stick to basic internet safety and decline to meet a man I have only ever corresponded with in an internet forum. Rather than make such a suggestion Mr Goode should instead learn to answer simple questions with simple answers.Very knowledgeable

Themooman posted “I applaud Mike Goode for stepping up and answering people straight up on here”. He’s totally failed to answer my questions! I am dismayed by Mr Goode’s inability to provide basic “yes” or “no” answers to my simple questions. I think that this is all a classic case of a committee suffering from “group think”. No one wants to point out any issues for fear of appearing out of step with the group. As a retired project manager I was involved in several major projects and saw this all too often.

If the club want to redevelop their current site they need a coherent plan with clearly defined goals. Currently it seems that they plan to:
1. Remove the croquet club in order to remove the hazard of croquet players being hit by balls.
2. Extend the cricket pitch onto the old croquet pitch.
3. Move the wicket away from houses where damage has been caused in the past.

I think it would be prudent if they first found out whether this is possible and then consult with the community. A questionnaire as referred to by Mr Goode, whilst useful for the club, does not notify locals as to the club’s plans. IF there are demolitions (of possibly listed buildings), removal of TPO protected trees etc then the club will need planning permission. By embarking on step 1 they are immediately conceding that there is a hazard. Mr Goode says so himself in the original article. But the club has no idea if any of these plans are even possible.

By moving the wicket they are moving the hazard away from some houses, but closer to others. Looking on google earth the site is rather “hemmed in” by housing. The newly threatened local residents would be well within their rights to object to this new hazard introduced by the cricket club – but the club has never told them of this plan. The outcome might be the need for screens or nets at the rear of their properties – that will NOT help win friends in the local community – especially from a club that they most probably cannot join (though Mr Goode is yet to acknowledge or even respond to this point). Again, local residents might be well within their rights to object to netting. Hence, the whole thing might not even be possible, but WNSC have never wondered if it is possible, but step 1 is underway.

In 2009 Mr Goode wrote: “The cricket club is a key community facility which certainly enhances our environment”. For Mr Goode to speak of the cricket club like this flies in the face of his more recent actions: 11 months ago he was trying to sell its land. As he said above it is a “valuable green space”. How valuable were you told Mr Goode? The lure of a bigger pitch elsewhere and the Birmingham league overcame your idea of what enhances your environment?

Since Mr Goode has not answered my questions on this open forum and has instead offered a face to face meeting* I will provide the answers for him:
1. YES – The wicket and the hazardous balls will move closer to the houses at the south-eastern edge of the pitch
2. NO – the local residents are not aware of these plans

Mr Goode has urged us “to use this opportunity to have your say on what you might like to see in Norton community which will help shape our plans.” I think it would be good to see:
1. A cricket club with open membership
2. locals told what your plans are – especially those you plan to put in harm’s way

Finally, Mr Goode wants to know who anyone hit by a ball would sue. Surely, as a limited company, the club is required to have insurance? If the insurance didn’t cover the event then the cricket club could be sued. If that meant having to sell the pitch to cover the costs then Mr Goode would finally get his way – albeit not in the manner he originally intended. Otherwise I think that the company directors would be liable - but I could be wrong on that... and if proved negligent in their duty of care then it could become a criminal matter - depending on the severity of the injury.

*As a woman I plan to stick to basic internet safety and decline to meet a man I have only ever corresponded with in an internet forum. Rather than make such a suggestion Mr Goode should instead learn to answer simple questions with simple answers.

Score: 8

MrWXYZ
2:57pm Thu 19 Jun 14

i think its a league requirement to have public liability insurance.

If they knock down the house and move the square towards the croquet lawn this will be towards the lane that you drive down to reach the ground. Yes the only houses that were there before the cricket club are the other side of the lane, but they are extremely unlikely to get hit.
I think amongst the 48 over posts (someone please get to 50 rather than leave this on 49 not out) it was mentioned that the square wouldnt move though, just make the ground bigger in that direction and remove the chance of croquet players being hit

i think its a league requirement to have public liability insurance.
If they knock down the house and move the square towards the croquet lawn this will be towards the lane that you drive down to reach the ground. Yes the only houses that were there before the cricket club are the other side of the lane, but they are extremely unlikely to get hit.
I think amongst the 48 over posts (someone please get to 50 rather than leave this on 49 not out) it was mentioned that the square wouldnt move though, just make the ground bigger in that direction and remove the chance of croquet players being hitMrWXYZ

i think its a league requirement to have public liability insurance.

If they knock down the house and move the square towards the croquet lawn this will be towards the lane that you drive down to reach the ground. Yes the only houses that were there before the cricket club are the other side of the lane, but they are extremely unlikely to get hit.
I think amongst the 48 over posts (someone please get to 50 rather than leave this on 49 not out) it was mentioned that the square wouldnt move though, just make the ground bigger in that direction and remove the chance of croquet players being hit

Score: 3

A non mouse
3:37pm Thu 19 Jun 14

If the wicket is not moved, cost of damage to conservatories etc will remain, but that's not the point. Nor is the H&S aspect and nor is any one sport being more deserving than another. The croquet players are in the way, physically perhaps, but definitely as a body of people who would be likely to object to any future development plans. So WNSC will kick them out; divide and conquer - watch out gun club, you're next. WNSC needs to do something to be financially viable and this is the first step. The community events take place here (with great credit to all parties involved) but are orgainsied & run by a charity so are not linked; these could be hosted at the village hall, or local school, or ??? The Chair of WNSC has a finger in each pie, so must find it hard to remain impartial. For a community centric charity to be tied up in a very uncharitable eviction of a vulnerable part of the community is rather unfortunate, especially when from the answers given here (to the questions that were not dodged) suggest little real effort has been put into alternative solutions to the initially cited H&S problem.
50 no.

If the wicket is not moved, cost of damage to conservatories etc will remain, but that's not the point. Nor is the H&S aspect and nor is any one sport being more deserving than another. The croquet players are in the way, physically perhaps, but definitely as a body of people who would be likely to object to any future development plans. So WNSC will kick them out; divide and conquer - watch out gun club, you're next. WNSC needs to do something to be financially viable and this is the first step. The community events take place here (with great credit to all parties involved) but are orgainsied & run by a charity so are not linked; these could be hosted at the village hall, or local school, or ??? The Chair of WNSC has a finger in each pie, so must find it hard to remain impartial. For a community centric charity to be tied up in a very uncharitable eviction of a vulnerable part of the community is rather unfortunate, especially when from the answers given here (to the questions that were not dodged) suggest little real effort has been put into alternative solutions to the initially cited H&S problem.
50 no.A non mouse

If the wicket is not moved, cost of damage to conservatories etc will remain, but that's not the point. Nor is the H&S aspect and nor is any one sport being more deserving than another. The croquet players are in the way, physically perhaps, but definitely as a body of people who would be likely to object to any future development plans. So WNSC will kick them out; divide and conquer - watch out gun club, you're next. WNSC needs to do something to be financially viable and this is the first step. The community events take place here (with great credit to all parties involved) but are orgainsied & run by a charity so are not linked; these could be hosted at the village hall, or local school, or ??? The Chair of WNSC has a finger in each pie, so must find it hard to remain impartial. For a community centric charity to be tied up in a very uncharitable eviction of a vulnerable part of the community is rather unfortunate, especially when from the answers given here (to the questions that were not dodged) suggest little real effort has been put into alternative solutions to the initially cited H&S problem.
50 no.

Score: 4

CJH
3:39pm Thu 19 Jun 14

Mike Goode - I don't know you, but rest assured I think you've answered all the questions you can here with remarkable restraint and politeness considering some of the comments made. Well done. I now await all the negative scores for this comment... :-)

Mike Goode - I don't know you, but rest assured I think you've answered all the questions you can here with remarkable restraint and politeness considering some of the comments made. Well done. I now await all the negative scores for this comment... :-)CJH

Mike Goode - I don't know you, but rest assured I think you've answered all the questions you can here with remarkable restraint and politeness considering some of the comments made. Well done. I now await all the negative scores for this comment... :-)

Score: 6

MikeGoode
3:46pm Thu 19 Jun 14

Very knowledgeable

Of course we have the essence of a strategic plan, as any respectable business should. We will use the questionnaire responses to feed into the plan and ensure we meet the needs of the community, working in close liaison with the parish council and other bodies. The club membership wants the club to stay where it is and rightly so. As Chairman it is my duty to respect the wishes of the members and safeguard the club.

In response to your baiting - There is no suggestion of other properties in the south eastern area being more at risk. The issue mostly comes from sixes scored with a straight hit, hence the existing croquet lawns and houses in line with the wicket at the south western end are prime targets.

Lastly - I personally have no desire to see the site sold. That was potentially a way to ease financial pressures in the past. Since you have clearly done your homework on me, you will see I am very much community rather than purely cricket driven. I do not hide behind group think. See for yourself here www.nortonct.co.uk what we do locally.

I simply want to safeguard and improve the facilities for the whole community, reduce the risk of accidents or damage without incurring unnecessary costs for our members (including rising insurance, payouts for non insured claims, planning consultant fees). In doing so am prepared to listen to any stakeholders, reveal my identity as well as discuss objections face to face.

I would be happy to discuss membership options with you and would welcome meeting you and any chaperone you care to bring.

Other contributors seem to have got the gist of my approach. As a retired project manager, maybe we could benefit from your expertise? After all, we are all volunteers.

Half century and declaration just in time for tea!

Very knowledgeable
Of course we have the essence of a strategic plan, as any respectable business should. We will use the questionnaire responses to feed into the plan and ensure we meet the needs of the community, working in close liaison with the parish council and other bodies. The club membership wants the club to stay where it is and rightly so. As Chairman it is my duty to respect the wishes of the members and safeguard the club.
In response to your baiting - There is no suggestion of other properties in the south eastern area being more at risk. The issue mostly comes from sixes scored with a straight hit, hence the existing croquet lawns and houses in line with the wicket at the south western end are prime targets.
Lastly - I personally have no desire to see the site sold. That was potentially a way to ease financial pressures in the past. Since you have clearly done your homework on me, you will see I am very much community rather than purely cricket driven. I do not hide behind group think. See for yourself here www.nortonct.co.uk what we do locally.
I simply want to safeguard and improve the facilities for the whole community, reduce the risk of accidents or damage without incurring unnecessary costs for our members (including rising insurance, payouts for non insured claims, planning consultant fees). In doing so am prepared to listen to any stakeholders, reveal my identity as well as discuss objections face to face.
I would be happy to discuss membership options with you and would welcome meeting you and any chaperone you care to bring.
Other contributors seem to have got the gist of my approach. As a retired project manager, maybe we could benefit from your expertise? After all, we are all volunteers.
Half century and declaration just in time for tea!MikeGoode

Very knowledgeable

Of course we have the essence of a strategic plan, as any respectable business should. We will use the questionnaire responses to feed into the plan and ensure we meet the needs of the community, working in close liaison with the parish council and other bodies. The club membership wants the club to stay where it is and rightly so. As Chairman it is my duty to respect the wishes of the members and safeguard the club.

In response to your baiting - There is no suggestion of other properties in the south eastern area being more at risk. The issue mostly comes from sixes scored with a straight hit, hence the existing croquet lawns and houses in line with the wicket at the south western end are prime targets.

Lastly - I personally have no desire to see the site sold. That was potentially a way to ease financial pressures in the past. Since you have clearly done your homework on me, you will see I am very much community rather than purely cricket driven. I do not hide behind group think. See for yourself here www.nortonct.co.uk what we do locally.

I simply want to safeguard and improve the facilities for the whole community, reduce the risk of accidents or damage without incurring unnecessary costs for our members (including rising insurance, payouts for non insured claims, planning consultant fees). In doing so am prepared to listen to any stakeholders, reveal my identity as well as discuss objections face to face.

I would be happy to discuss membership options with you and would welcome meeting you and any chaperone you care to bring.

Other contributors seem to have got the gist of my approach. As a retired project manager, maybe we could benefit from your expertise? After all, we are all volunteers.

Half century and declaration just in time for tea!

Score: -3

SportyWoman
4:23pm Thu 19 Jun 14

I moved to Norton many years ago and remember with fondness that many sports were once played on our community facility. It was lovely to see hockey, football, cricket, croquet to name a few. Sports that catered for a diverse mix of people. Its such a shame that the whole facility can't be developed to include sport/leisure for the whole community as opposed to just a select few!

I moved to Norton many years ago and remember with fondness that many sports were once played on our community facility. It was lovely to see hockey, football, cricket, croquet to name a few. Sports that catered for a diverse mix of people. Its such a shame that the whole facility can't be developed to include sport/leisure for the whole community as opposed to just a select few!SportyWoman

I moved to Norton many years ago and remember with fondness that many sports were once played on our community facility. It was lovely to see hockey, football, cricket, croquet to name a few. Sports that catered for a diverse mix of people. Its such a shame that the whole facility can't be developed to include sport/leisure for the whole community as opposed to just a select few!

Score: 6

MikeGoode
4:26pm Thu 19 Jun 14

SportyWoman wrote…

I moved to Norton many years ago and remember with fondness that many sports were once played on our community facility. It was lovely to see hockey, football, cricket, croquet to name a few. Sports that catered for a diverse mix of people. Its such a shame that the whole facility can't be developed to include sport/leisure for the whole community as opposed to just a select few!

SportyWoman

That is exactly what we are trying to achieve . THANK YOU :)

[quote][p][bold]SportyWoman[/bold] wrote:
I moved to Norton many years ago and remember with fondness that many sports were once played on our community facility. It was lovely to see hockey, football, cricket, croquet to name a few. Sports that catered for a diverse mix of people. Its such a shame that the whole facility can't be developed to include sport/leisure for the whole community as opposed to just a select few![/p][/quote]SportyWoman
That is exactly what we are trying to achieve . THANK YOU :)MikeGoode

SportyWoman wrote…

I moved to Norton many years ago and remember with fondness that many sports were once played on our community facility. It was lovely to see hockey, football, cricket, croquet to name a few. Sports that catered for a diverse mix of people. Its such a shame that the whole facility can't be developed to include sport/leisure for the whole community as opposed to just a select few!

SportyWoman

That is exactly what we are trying to achieve . THANK YOU :)

Score: -2

jovialcommonsense
6:16pm Thu 19 Jun 14

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

MikeGoode wrote…

Very knowledgeable Fair enough. There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO. The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. . If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible. I'm signing off this forum now. Thanks all.

So by moving the wicket, the V will move and that would take the Croquet Club outside the risk area and persumably the residential properties opposite to the Croquet Club. Problem solved - turn the wicket 90 degrees.

Everyone will be happy. Risk to houses reduced, risk to croquet players reduced. No need to knock down a house or dig out trees. Everyone can 'play' on, happy ever after. Sounds like a good plan.

I don't know the ins and outs of this club, but you will find that cricket squares are North/South. This is because if they are East/West the rising and setting sun will blind the batsmen.

[quote][p][bold]LadyNewsWorcester56[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote:
Very knowledgeable Fair enough. There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO. The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. . If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible. I'm signing off this forum now. Thanks all.[/p][/quote]So by moving the wicket, the V will move and that would take the Croquet Club outside the risk area and persumably the residential properties opposite to the Croquet Club. Problem solved - turn the wicket 90 degrees.
Everyone will be happy. Risk to houses reduced, risk to croquet players reduced. No need to knock down a house or dig out trees. Everyone can 'play' on, happy ever after. Sounds like a good plan.[/p][/quote]I don't know the ins and outs of this club, but you will find that cricket squares are North/South. This is because if they are East/West the rising and setting sun will blind the batsmen.jovialcommonsense

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

MikeGoode wrote…

Very knowledgeable Fair enough. There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO. The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. . If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible. I'm signing off this forum now. Thanks all.

So by moving the wicket, the V will move and that would take the Croquet Club outside the risk area and persumably the residential properties opposite to the Croquet Club. Problem solved - turn the wicket 90 degrees.

Everyone will be happy. Risk to houses reduced, risk to croquet players reduced. No need to knock down a house or dig out trees. Everyone can 'play' on, happy ever after. Sounds like a good plan.

I don't know the ins and outs of this club, but you will find that cricket squares are North/South. This is because if they are East/West the rising and setting sun will blind the batsmen.

Score: 6

Very knowledgeable
5:01pm Thu 19 Jun 14

Dear Mr Goode, Baiting? I apologise unreservedly if I have caused any offence or if anything I've said is incorrect.

I'm still seeking answers to two questions, if you are willing to answer them (this is the 4th time of asking). Could you please Please PLEASE try to answer the following two questions using a "YES", or a "NO".

1. is the plan to move the wicket?

2. has anyone locally been informed?

Dear Mr Goode, Baiting? I apologise unreservedly if I have caused any offence or if anything I've said is incorrect.
I'm still seeking answers to two questions, if you are willing to answer them (this is the 4th time of asking). Could you please Please PLEASE try to answer the following two questions using a "YES", or a "NO".
1. is the plan to move the wicket?
2. has anyone locally been informed?Very knowledgeable

Dear Mr Goode, Baiting? I apologise unreservedly if I have caused any offence or if anything I've said is incorrect.

I'm still seeking answers to two questions, if you are willing to answer them (this is the 4th time of asking). Could you please Please PLEASE try to answer the following two questions using a "YES", or a "NO".

1. is the plan to move the wicket?

2. has anyone locally been informed?

Score: 5

LadyNewsWorcester56
5:17pm Thu 19 Jun 14

Only a suggestion - but would it make much of a difference if the wicket on the top field was turned 90%?

Only a suggestion - but would it make much of a difference if the wicket on the top field was turned 90%?LadyNewsWorcester56

Only a suggestion - but would it make much of a difference if the wicket on the top field was turned 90%?

Score: 5

MikeGoode
5:26pm Thu 19 Jun 14

Very knowledgeable

Fair enough.

There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO.

The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently

We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. .

If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible.

I'm signing off this forum now.

Thanks all.

Very knowledgeable
Fair enough.
There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO.
The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently
We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. .
If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible.
I'm signing off this forum now.
Thanks all.MikeGoode

Very knowledgeable

Fair enough.

There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO.

The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently

We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. .

If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible.

I'm signing off this forum now.

Thanks all.

Score: -1

LadyNewsWorcester56
5:43pm Thu 19 Jun 14

MikeGoode wrote…

Very knowledgeable Fair enough. There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO. The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. . If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible. I'm signing off this forum now. Thanks all.

So by moving the wicket, the V will move and that would take the Croquet Club outside the risk area and persumably the residential properties opposite to the Croquet Club. Problem solved - turn the wicket 90 degrees.

Everyone will be happy. Risk to houses reduced, risk to croquet players reduced. No need to knock down a house or dig out trees. Everyone can 'play' on, happy ever after. Sounds like a good plan.

[quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote:
Very knowledgeable Fair enough. There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO. The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. . If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible. I'm signing off this forum now. Thanks all.[/p][/quote]So by moving the wicket, the V will move and that would take the Croquet Club outside the risk area and persumably the residential properties opposite to the Croquet Club. Problem solved - turn the wicket 90 degrees.
Everyone will be happy. Risk to houses reduced, risk to croquet players reduced. No need to knock down a house or dig out trees. Everyone can 'play' on, happy ever after. Sounds like a good plan.LadyNewsWorcester56

MikeGoode wrote…

Very knowledgeable Fair enough. There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO. The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. . If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible. I'm signing off this forum now. Thanks all.

So by moving the wicket, the V will move and that would take the Croquet Club outside the risk area and persumably the residential properties opposite to the Croquet Club. Problem solved - turn the wicket 90 degrees.

Everyone will be happy. Risk to houses reduced, risk to croquet players reduced. No need to knock down a house or dig out trees. Everyone can 'play' on, happy ever after. Sounds like a good plan.

Score: 5

Very knowledgeable
8:08am Fri 20 Jun 14

Mr Goode said in the original article that: "By extending the cricket pitch onto the existing croquet area we can move away from the houses at one end ..." HIS WORDS.

After me asking him 4 times if the wicket will actually move away from those houses he was finally able to say : "I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO".

Hence the risk to those residents continues - as will the clubs bills for damage and compensation? It is contradictory statements such as these that lead people to ask if there is a coherent plan. I fear Mr Goode is a politician at heart, unable to give direct answers, or maintain a consistent stance. this is not baiting Mr Goode. I'm merely quoting you. For those of you who admire Mr Goode's responses and his restraint I'd point out how hard it seems for Mr Goode to answer a question, as for restraint - I read that as an inability to contradict anything I've pointed out.

I appreciate that Mr Goode, and his associates, are unpaid volunteers and I commend him for his enthusiasm. However I fear enthusiasm should not be confused for competence. It's a bit like getting on a flight to be told how enthusiastic your volunteer pilot is! Trying to rescue a failing cricket club by selling off it's pitches (which probably can't be sold, or certainly built on) is a key indicator of the lack of any foresight or half decent management.

Mr Goode said in the original article that: "By extending the cricket pitch onto the existing croquet area we can move away from the houses at one end ..." HIS WORDS.
After me asking him 4 times if the wicket will actually move away from those houses he was finally able to say : "I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO".
Hence the risk to those residents continues - as will the clubs bills for damage and compensation? It is contradictory statements such as these that lead people to ask if there is a coherent plan. I fear Mr Goode is a politician at heart, unable to give direct answers, or maintain a consistent stance. this is not baiting Mr Goode. I'm merely quoting you. For those of you who admire Mr Goode's responses and his restraint I'd point out how hard it seems for Mr Goode to answer a question, as for restraint - I read that as an inability to contradict anything I've pointed out.
I appreciate that Mr Goode, and his associates, are unpaid volunteers and I commend him for his enthusiasm. However I fear enthusiasm should not be confused for competence. It's a bit like getting on a flight to be told how enthusiastic your volunteer pilot is! Trying to rescue a failing cricket club by selling off it's pitches (which probably can't be sold, or certainly built on) is a key indicator of the lack of any foresight or half decent management.Very knowledgeable

Mr Goode said in the original article that: "By extending the cricket pitch onto the existing croquet area we can move away from the houses at one end ..." HIS WORDS.

After me asking him 4 times if the wicket will actually move away from those houses he was finally able to say : "I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO".

Hence the risk to those residents continues - as will the clubs bills for damage and compensation? It is contradictory statements such as these that lead people to ask if there is a coherent plan. I fear Mr Goode is a politician at heart, unable to give direct answers, or maintain a consistent stance. this is not baiting Mr Goode. I'm merely quoting you. For those of you who admire Mr Goode's responses and his restraint I'd point out how hard it seems for Mr Goode to answer a question, as for restraint - I read that as an inability to contradict anything I've pointed out.

I appreciate that Mr Goode, and his associates, are unpaid volunteers and I commend him for his enthusiasm. However I fear enthusiasm should not be confused for competence. It's a bit like getting on a flight to be told how enthusiastic your volunteer pilot is! Trying to rescue a failing cricket club by selling off it's pitches (which probably can't be sold, or certainly built on) is a key indicator of the lack of any foresight or half decent management.

Score: 5

LadyNewsWorcester56
10:34pm Thu 19 Jun 14

jovialcommonsense wrote…

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

MikeGoode wrote…

Very knowledgeable Fair enough. There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO. The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. . If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible. I'm signing off this forum now. Thanks all.

So by moving the wicket, the V will move and that would take the Croquet Club outside the risk area and persumably the residential properties opposite to the Croquet Club. Problem solved - turn the wicket 90 degrees.

Everyone will be happy. Risk to houses reduced, risk to croquet players reduced. No need to knock down a house or dig out trees. Everyone can 'play' on, happy ever after. Sounds like a good plan.

I don't know the ins and outs of this club, but you will find that cricket squares are North/South. This is because if they are East/West the rising and setting sun will blind the batsmen.

Thank you, jovialcommonse. The sports club have two wickets one goes one way and the other, the other. Interesting!

[quote][p][bold]jovialcommonsense[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]LadyNewsWorcester56[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote:
Very knowledgeable Fair enough. There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO. The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. . If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible. I'm signing off this forum now. Thanks all.[/p][/quote]So by moving the wicket, the V will move and that would take the Croquet Club outside the risk area and persumably the residential properties opposite to the Croquet Club. Problem solved - turn the wicket 90 degrees.
Everyone will be happy. Risk to houses reduced, risk to croquet players reduced. No need to knock down a house or dig out trees. Everyone can 'play' on, happy ever after. Sounds like a good plan.[/p][/quote]I don't know the ins and outs of this club, but you will find that cricket squares are North/South. This is because if they are East/West the rising and setting sun will blind the batsmen.[/p][/quote]Thank you, jovialcommonse. The sports club have two wickets one goes one way and the other, the other. Interesting!LadyNewsWorcester56

jovialcommonsense wrote…

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

MikeGoode wrote…

Very knowledgeable Fair enough. There are no plans, just ideas. The wicket may well move to a more central position in the new larger outfield but looking at a (rough) googlemaps aerial diagram the relocated stumps would appear be no nearer the south eastern perimeter houses than they are now. IF, and I stress IF, this ever happens it will cost tens of thousands of pounds to re-lay a square. Without taking accurate measurements I cannot give a definitive answer but might suggest it is very unlikely we would devise plans which will increase overall risk. So I guess that's a NO. The existing houses would certainly fall outside the normal areas where one would expect a six to be hit (known as playing in the V between mid on and mid off). The croquet pitch falls into the V currently We are at a pre planning stage, collating ideas, so it would be inappropriate to formally inform anyone locally but we collating opinions via the questionnaire, meeting the appropriate councils and working out what is feasible. The club and membership will need to endorse any ultimate plan. So from my point of view that is a partial YES. . If you are in the locality, notwithstanding your privacy and safeguarding concerns, I would urge you to contribute directly so the club might ultimately devise a plan that takes accounts of as many opinions as possible. I'm signing off this forum now. Thanks all.

So by moving the wicket, the V will move and that would take the Croquet Club outside the risk area and persumably the residential properties opposite to the Croquet Club. Problem solved - turn the wicket 90 degrees.

Everyone will be happy. Risk to houses reduced, risk to croquet players reduced. No need to knock down a house or dig out trees. Everyone can 'play' on, happy ever after. Sounds like a good plan.

I don't know the ins and outs of this club, but you will find that cricket squares are North/South. This is because if they are East/West the rising and setting sun will blind the batsmen.

Thank you, jovialcommonse. The sports club have two wickets one goes one way and the other, the other. Interesting!

Score: 4

an oldie
11:11pm Thu 19 Jun 14

Why don't the sports club wait until they have definite planning permission to alter the pitch before giving the croquet club notice to quit.they may not get permission and the croquet club will have had all the upset for nothing.the sports club seem to change their reasons for their actions to suit themselves.Last year the reason was given that they were about to sell the land to a developer for 4plus million pounds to build houses. What happened to that reason.
Some of the members may be getting on a bit and some disabled but still have their human rights. To some the croquet club has literally been a lifesaver in times of grief and stress.Why also , if the sports club are so safety minded , did they let part of the house on the land to a young couple with a very small child. A cricket ball would most certainly do much harm in that direction.
The sports club should really get their reasoning sorted out.

Why don't the sports club wait until they have definite planning permission to alter the pitch before giving the croquet club notice to quit.they may not get permission and the croquet club will have had all the upset for nothing.the sports club seem to change their reasons for their actions to suit themselves.Last year the reason was given that they were about to sell the land to a developer for 4plus million pounds to build houses. What happened to that reason.
Some of the members may be getting on a bit and some disabled but still have their human rights. To some the croquet club has literally been a lifesaver in times of grief and stress.Why also , if the sports club are so safety minded , did they let part of the house on the land to a young couple with a very small child. A cricket ball would most certainly do much harm in that direction.
The sports club should really get their reasoning sorted out.an oldie

Why don't the sports club wait until they have definite planning permission to alter the pitch before giving the croquet club notice to quit.they may not get permission and the croquet club will have had all the upset for nothing.the sports club seem to change their reasons for their actions to suit themselves.Last year the reason was given that they were about to sell the land to a developer for 4plus million pounds to build houses. What happened to that reason.
Some of the members may be getting on a bit and some disabled but still have their human rights. To some the croquet club has literally been a lifesaver in times of grief and stress.Why also , if the sports club are so safety minded , did they let part of the house on the land to a young couple with a very small child. A cricket ball would most certainly do much harm in that direction.
The sports club should really get their reasoning sorted out.

Score: 7

an oldie
11:28pm Thu 19 Jun 14

Why do the WNSC keep. Changing their reason for giving the croquet club notice.first it was because they had sold the land to a developer for 4plus million pounds. Now it is Health &xSafety.
Why if it is H&S did they let part of the house on the land to a young couple with a very small child. VERY VERY DANGEROUS I WOULD THINK Are they to be given notice to quit also ?
Poor old croquet players. !!! It is sad to see the club go. It has been a life saver to many people in their hours of grief and stress.it has also been a steady revenue for the sports club for 30 years.
Surely it would have been a much quicker and pleasant solution to put up nets to stop the balls flying onto the croquet lawns.
It seems it is going to be a very expensive time for the sports club if they have to remove trees hedges buildings etc etc with money perhaps they do not have. ???

Why do the WNSC keep. Changing their reason for giving the croquet club notice.first it was because they had sold the land to a developer for 4plus million pounds. Now it is Health &xSafety.
Why if it is H&S did they let part of the house on the land to a young couple with a very small child. VERY VERY DANGEROUS I WOULD THINK Are they to be given notice to quit also ?
Poor old croquet players. !!! It is sad to see the club go. It has been a life saver to many people in their hours of grief and stress.it has also been a steady revenue for the sports club for 30 years.
Surely it would have been a much quicker and pleasant solution to put up nets to stop the balls flying onto the croquet lawns.
It seems it is going to be a very expensive time for the sports club if they have to remove trees hedges buildings etc etc with money perhaps they do not have. ???an oldie

Why do the WNSC keep. Changing their reason for giving the croquet club notice.first it was because they had sold the land to a developer for 4plus million pounds. Now it is Health &xSafety.
Why if it is H&S did they let part of the house on the land to a young couple with a very small child. VERY VERY DANGEROUS I WOULD THINK Are they to be given notice to quit also ?
Poor old croquet players. !!! It is sad to see the club go. It has been a life saver to many people in their hours of grief and stress.it has also been a steady revenue for the sports club for 30 years.
Surely it would have been a much quicker and pleasant solution to put up nets to stop the balls flying onto the croquet lawns.
It seems it is going to be a very expensive time for the sports club if they have to remove trees hedges buildings etc etc with money perhaps they do not have. ???

Score: 7

LadyNewsWorcester56
8:37am Fri 20 Jun 14

an oldie wrote…

Why don't the sports club wait until they have definite planning permission to alter the pitch before giving the croquet club notice to quit.they may not get permission and the croquet club will have had all the upset for nothing.the sports club seem to change their reasons for their actions to suit themselves.Last year the reason was given that they were about to sell the land to a developer for 4plus million pounds to build houses. What happened to that reason.
Some of the members may be getting on a bit and some disabled but still have their human rights. To some the croquet club has literally been a lifesaver in times of grief and stress.Why also , if the sports club are so safety minded , did they let part of the house on the land to a young couple with a very small child. A cricket ball would most certainly do much harm in that direction.
The sports club should really get their reasoning sorted out.

Many, many, thanks an oldie for your comments. With age comes wisdom and I really don't think there's much of that being shown at the moment. I'm delighted to hear that we at the Croquet Club have an holistic attitude towards our membership and the sport is not just about money!

You raise a good question about the young family that rent the Stewards House. (As shown in the article photograph). At least the risk to us on the lawns is only when our games clash with the cricket being played on the top field. For them and us there is no defence at all against flying balls. Unlike the opposite of side of the cricket field where at least there is some fencing.

In the absence of the Cricket Club or Sports Club installing fencing, we've been suggesting that line of action for sometime, one of our members has gone out and purchased some netting. Erecting it is the next issue and permission is being sought from the Cricket / Sports Club to allow us access to install the netting. As no working party has been called I assume we're waiting for their agreement.

[quote][p][bold]an oldie[/bold] wrote:
Why don't the sports club wait until they have definite planning permission to alter the pitch before giving the croquet club notice to quit.they may not get permission and the croquet club will have had all the upset for nothing.the sports club seem to change their reasons for their actions to suit themselves.Last year the reason was given that they were about to sell the land to a developer for 4plus million pounds to build houses. What happened to that reason.
Some of the members may be getting on a bit and some disabled but still have their human rights. To some the croquet club has literally been a lifesaver in times of grief and stress.Why also , if the sports club are so safety minded , did they let part of the house on the land to a young couple with a very small child. A cricket ball would most certainly do much harm in that direction.
The sports club should really get their reasoning sorted out.[/p][/quote]Many, many, thanks an oldie for your comments. With age comes wisdom and I really don't think there's much of that being shown at the moment. I'm delighted to hear that we at the Croquet Club have an holistic attitude towards our membership and the sport is not just about money!
You raise a good question about the young family that rent the Stewards House. (As shown in the article photograph). At least the risk to us on the lawns is only when our games clash with the cricket being played on the top field. For them and us there is no defence at all against flying balls. Unlike the opposite of side of the cricket field where at least there is some fencing.
In the absence of the Cricket Club or Sports Club installing fencing, we've been suggesting that line of action for sometime, one of our members has gone out and purchased some netting. Erecting it is the next issue and permission is being sought from the Cricket / Sports Club to allow us access to install the netting. As no working party has been called I assume we're waiting for their agreement.LadyNewsWorcester56

an oldie wrote…

Why don't the sports club wait until they have definite planning permission to alter the pitch before giving the croquet club notice to quit.they may not get permission and the croquet club will have had all the upset for nothing.the sports club seem to change their reasons for their actions to suit themselves.Last year the reason was given that they were about to sell the land to a developer for 4plus million pounds to build houses. What happened to that reason.
Some of the members may be getting on a bit and some disabled but still have their human rights. To some the croquet club has literally been a lifesaver in times of grief and stress.Why also , if the sports club are so safety minded , did they let part of the house on the land to a young couple with a very small child. A cricket ball would most certainly do much harm in that direction.
The sports club should really get their reasoning sorted out.

Many, many, thanks an oldie for your comments. With age comes wisdom and I really don't think there's much of that being shown at the moment. I'm delighted to hear that we at the Croquet Club have an holistic attitude towards our membership and the sport is not just about money!

You raise a good question about the young family that rent the Stewards House. (As shown in the article photograph). At least the risk to us on the lawns is only when our games clash with the cricket being played on the top field. For them and us there is no defence at all against flying balls. Unlike the opposite of side of the cricket field where at least there is some fencing.

In the absence of the Cricket Club or Sports Club installing fencing, we've been suggesting that line of action for sometime, one of our members has gone out and purchased some netting. Erecting it is the next issue and permission is being sought from the Cricket / Sports Club to allow us access to install the netting. As no working party has been called I assume we're waiting for their agreement.

Score: 6

spin bowler
9:09am Fri 20 Jun 14

Bearing in mind that If the cricket club’s biggest problem is lack of funds, why are they contemplating disposing of two of their main income streams, the rent from the croquet club and the rent from the house (which would also need to be demolished) ?

How will they fund the proposed expansion?

Bearing in mind that If the cricket club’s biggest problem is lack of funds, why are they contemplating disposing of two of their main income streams, the rent from the croquet club and the rent from the house (which would also need to be demolished) ?
How will they fund the proposed expansion?spin bowler

Bearing in mind that If the cricket club’s biggest problem is lack of funds, why are they contemplating disposing of two of their main income streams, the rent from the croquet club and the rent from the house (which would also need to be demolished) ?

How will they fund the proposed expansion?

Score: 7

A non mouse
9:23am Fri 20 Jun 14

Well, talk about muddy waters ......
H&S argument does not stack up since no croquet player has been hit by a ball in 30 years, and the current distress to some elderly folk is a higher risk to their health than the probability of ever being struck by a ball (the players themselves are at a far higher risk, so maybe we should just ban cricket?) And if they are evicted (without sounding patronising if I can), WNSC may be taking away a valuable opportunity for some of these members to get out of the house and enjoy fresh air and companionship whilst playing a sport they love.
Insurance costs argument does not stack up since moving the wicket seems highly unlikely so risks to the west end houses remains unchanged.
Providing a different "sport" in the same space occupied by the (well established and moderately well subscribed) croquet club does not add up since WNSC don't know what that would be (how about croquet - oh, sorry, not an option on the questionnaire), how many would use it (more or less than 35?), or how they would be somehow immune to flying cricket balls.
Selling the land for development does not stack up since this was rejected by a massive majority of the club membership less than a year ago (and WNSC express commitment to remain at the site).

WNSC have the power to overturn this flawed decision, or at least suspend the action until some of their "ideas" have become "plans" and those "plans" have been shown to be viable.

Mike (if you are still listening), I do know you and I have great respect for the voluntary work you do for our community. It takes a big man to admit a mistake and to change course and, unlike a politician, I think you can do this. If not, I fear the suspicion surrounding the real motives behind this decision will remain forever embedded in the hearts and minds of the locals.

Well, talk about muddy waters ......
H&S argument does not stack up since no croquet player has been hit by a ball in 30 years, and the current distress to some elderly folk is a higher risk to their health than the probability of ever being struck by a ball (the players themselves are at a far higher risk, so maybe we should just ban cricket?) And if they are evicted (without sounding patronising if I can), WNSC may be taking away a valuable opportunity for some of these members to get out of the house and enjoy fresh air and companionship whilst playing a sport they love.
Insurance costs argument does not stack up since moving the wicket seems highly unlikely so risks to the west end houses remains unchanged.
Providing a different "sport" in the same space occupied by the (well established and moderately well subscribed) croquet club does not add up since WNSC don't know what that would be (how about croquet - oh, sorry, not an option on the questionnaire), how many would use it (more or less than 35?), or how they would be somehow immune to flying cricket balls.
Selling the land for development does not stack up since this was rejected by a massive majority of the club membership less than a year ago (and WNSC express commitment to remain at the site).
WNSC have the power to overturn this flawed decision, or at least suspend the action until some of their "ideas" have become "plans" and those "plans" have been shown to be viable.
Mike (if you are still listening), I do know you and I have great respect for the voluntary work you do for our community. It takes a big man to admit a mistake and to change course and, unlike a politician, I think you can do this. If not, I fear the suspicion surrounding the real motives behind this decision will remain forever embedded in the hearts and minds of the locals.A non mouse

Well, talk about muddy waters ......
H&S argument does not stack up since no croquet player has been hit by a ball in 30 years, and the current distress to some elderly folk is a higher risk to their health than the probability of ever being struck by a ball (the players themselves are at a far higher risk, so maybe we should just ban cricket?) And if they are evicted (without sounding patronising if I can), WNSC may be taking away a valuable opportunity for some of these members to get out of the house and enjoy fresh air and companionship whilst playing a sport they love.
Insurance costs argument does not stack up since moving the wicket seems highly unlikely so risks to the west end houses remains unchanged.
Providing a different "sport" in the same space occupied by the (well established and moderately well subscribed) croquet club does not add up since WNSC don't know what that would be (how about croquet - oh, sorry, not an option on the questionnaire), how many would use it (more or less than 35?), or how they would be somehow immune to flying cricket balls.
Selling the land for development does not stack up since this was rejected by a massive majority of the club membership less than a year ago (and WNSC express commitment to remain at the site).

WNSC have the power to overturn this flawed decision, or at least suspend the action until some of their "ideas" have become "plans" and those "plans" have been shown to be viable.

Mike (if you are still listening), I do know you and I have great respect for the voluntary work you do for our community. It takes a big man to admit a mistake and to change course and, unlike a politician, I think you can do this. If not, I fear the suspicion surrounding the real motives behind this decision will remain forever embedded in the hearts and minds of the locals.

Score: 6

themooman
12:18pm Fri 20 Jun 14

A non mouse wrote…

Well, talk about muddy waters ...... H&S argument does not stack up since no croquet player has been hit by a ball in 30 years, and the current distress to some elderly folk is a higher risk to their health than the probability of ever being struck by a ball (the players themselves are at a far higher risk, so maybe we should just ban cricket?) And if they are evicted (without sounding patronising if I can), WNSC may be taking away a valuable opportunity for some of these members to get out of the house and enjoy fresh air and companionship whilst playing a sport they love. Insurance costs argument does not stack up since moving the wicket seems highly unlikely so risks to the west end houses remains unchanged. Providing a different "sport" in the same space occupied by the (well established and moderately well subscribed) croquet club does not add up since WNSC don't know what that would be (how about croquet - oh, sorry, not an option on the questionnaire), how many would use it (more or less than 35?), or how they would be somehow immune to flying cricket balls. Selling the land for development does not stack up since this was rejected by a massive majority of the club membership less than a year ago (and WNSC express commitment to remain at the site). WNSC have the power to overturn this flawed decision, or at least suspend the action until some of their "ideas" have become "plans" and those "plans" have been shown to be viable. Mike (if you are still listening), I do know you and I have great respect for the voluntary work you do for our community. It takes a big man to admit a mistake and to change course and, unlike a politician, I think you can do this. If not, I fear the suspicion surrounding the real motives behind this decision will remain forever embedded in the hearts and minds of the locals.

Have you thought the H&S issue maybe the cricketers being hit by strayed croquet balls?

[quote][p][bold]A non mouse[/bold] wrote:
Well, talk about muddy waters ...... H&S argument does not stack up since no croquet player has been hit by a ball in 30 years, and the current distress to some elderly folk is a higher risk to their health than the probability of ever being struck by a ball (the players themselves are at a far higher risk, so maybe we should just ban cricket?) And if they are evicted (without sounding patronising if I can), WNSC may be taking away a valuable opportunity for some of these members to get out of the house and enjoy fresh air and companionship whilst playing a sport they love. Insurance costs argument does not stack up since moving the wicket seems highly unlikely so risks to the west end houses remains unchanged. Providing a different "sport" in the same space occupied by the (well established and moderately well subscribed) croquet club does not add up since WNSC don't know what that would be (how about croquet - oh, sorry, not an option on the questionnaire), how many would use it (more or less than 35?), or how they would be somehow immune to flying cricket balls. Selling the land for development does not stack up since this was rejected by a massive majority of the club membership less than a year ago (and WNSC express commitment to remain at the site). WNSC have the power to overturn this flawed decision, or at least suspend the action until some of their "ideas" have become "plans" and those "plans" have been shown to be viable. Mike (if you are still listening), I do know you and I have great respect for the voluntary work you do for our community. It takes a big man to admit a mistake and to change course and, unlike a politician, I think you can do this. If not, I fear the suspicion surrounding the real motives behind this decision will remain forever embedded in the hearts and minds of the locals.[/p][/quote]Have you thought the H&S issue maybe the cricketers being hit by strayed croquet balls?themooman

A non mouse wrote…

Well, talk about muddy waters ...... H&S argument does not stack up since no croquet player has been hit by a ball in 30 years, and the current distress to some elderly folk is a higher risk to their health than the probability of ever being struck by a ball (the players themselves are at a far higher risk, so maybe we should just ban cricket?) And if they are evicted (without sounding patronising if I can), WNSC may be taking away a valuable opportunity for some of these members to get out of the house and enjoy fresh air and companionship whilst playing a sport they love. Insurance costs argument does not stack up since moving the wicket seems highly unlikely so risks to the west end houses remains unchanged. Providing a different "sport" in the same space occupied by the (well established and moderately well subscribed) croquet club does not add up since WNSC don't know what that would be (how about croquet - oh, sorry, not an option on the questionnaire), how many would use it (more or less than 35?), or how they would be somehow immune to flying cricket balls. Selling the land for development does not stack up since this was rejected by a massive majority of the club membership less than a year ago (and WNSC express commitment to remain at the site). WNSC have the power to overturn this flawed decision, or at least suspend the action until some of their "ideas" have become "plans" and those "plans" have been shown to be viable. Mike (if you are still listening), I do know you and I have great respect for the voluntary work you do for our community. It takes a big man to admit a mistake and to change course and, unlike a politician, I think you can do this. If not, I fear the suspicion surrounding the real motives behind this decision will remain forever embedded in the hearts and minds of the locals.

Have you thought the H&S issue maybe the cricketers being hit by strayed croquet balls?

Score: 2

A non mouse
12:26pm Fri 20 Jun 14

WNSC haven't used that "excuse".
At least, not yet.

WNSC haven't used that "excuse".
At least, not yet.A non mouse

WNSC haven't used that "excuse".
At least, not yet.

Score: 1

M155B3TH
1:03pm Fri 20 Jun 14

i believe that when the land was for sale the community around the cricket club didnt want to see all the houses built surounding them losing any greenary in the area. So if it was sold where would the croquet club have gone then? Also if you would know anything about the cricket club you would have known that in previous years they have had disabled cricket matches there the england blind cricket team have played up there. maybe people should get to know about more about the sport and the people up there who seem to be doing all their best to comunicate with the community about these assumptions.

i believe that when the land was for sale the community around the cricket club didnt want to see all the houses built surounding them losing any greenary in the area. So if it was sold where would the croquet club have gone then? Also if you would know anything about the cricket club you would have known that in previous years they have had disabled cricket matches there the england blind cricket team have played up there. maybe people should get to know about more about the sport and the people up there who seem to be doing all their best to comunicate with the community about these assumptions.M155B3TH

i believe that when the land was for sale the community around the cricket club didnt want to see all the houses built surounding them losing any greenary in the area. So if it was sold where would the croquet club have gone then? Also if you would know anything about the cricket club you would have known that in previous years they have had disabled cricket matches there the england blind cricket team have played up there. maybe people should get to know about more about the sport and the people up there who seem to be doing all their best to comunicate with the community about these assumptions.

Score: 0

Very knowledgeable
1:35pm Fri 20 Jun 14

M155B3TH - The land hasn't been for sale since the MoD sold it to the WNSC in 1980-ish? As far as I know the club hasn't hosted any disabled cricket in any form in the past 10 years or so? Can you clarify - a year perhaps?

As for the clubs H&S situation:
1. no croquet PLAYER has ever been hit - so make the croquet club move
2. the houses DO get hit - so leave the wicket where it is
3. the club thinks there's a hazard by their old brick houses - so leave the tenants in the house

three actions that make no sense at all. And to that we can add fretting about limited funds - but have a closed membership thus ensuring that funds are limited. I despair, I really do...

M155B3TH - The land hasn't been for sale since the MoD sold it to the WNSC in 1980-ish? As far as I know the club hasn't hosted any disabled cricket in any form in the past 10 years or so? Can you clarify - a year perhaps?
As for the clubs H&S situation:
1. no croquet PLAYER has ever been hit - so make the croquet club move
2. the houses DO get hit - so leave the wicket where it is
3. the club thinks there's a hazard by their old brick houses - so leave the tenants in the house
three actions that make no sense at all. And to that we can add fretting about limited funds - but have a closed membership thus ensuring that funds are limited. I despair, I really do...Very knowledgeable

M155B3TH - The land hasn't been for sale since the MoD sold it to the WNSC in 1980-ish? As far as I know the club hasn't hosted any disabled cricket in any form in the past 10 years or so? Can you clarify - a year perhaps?

As for the clubs H&S situation:
1. no croquet PLAYER has ever been hit - so make the croquet club move
2. the houses DO get hit - so leave the wicket where it is
3. the club thinks there's a hazard by their old brick houses - so leave the tenants in the house

three actions that make no sense at all. And to that we can add fretting about limited funds - but have a closed membership thus ensuring that funds are limited. I despair, I really do...

Score: 6

MikeGoode
3:43pm Fri 20 Jun 14

This seems to have deteriorated into an array assumptions, misinformation, inaccuracies about finances and most regrettably personal criticism.

I stress again that there is a real risk of injury to croquet players, people sitting in gardens and actual damage caused to nearby houses which often, but not always, falls below insurance excess limits at couple of hundred pounds a time, or a few thousand over the course of a year. The croquet area is unsighted from the cricket by a 15+ft high hedge. A net identical to the one at the housing ends might reduce the risk but not sufficiently. Balls still clear the net aimed at protecting the houses. Based on HSE and ECB guidance we simply have to take action.

For the record, I was chatting to the England Blind cricket team at a training session in summer 2013.

The long term intention to change certain aspects of the site, although interesting to many of you, strays off topic. Whilst on that subject, I do hope, Very Knowledgeable in particular, we might one day have the opportunity to reassure you that we do have some "foresight and half decent management" which we will use to protect the site for the future.

I appreciate there is fear of change and opinions will become polarised as we canvas opinions and explore ways to safeguard the site, improving the range of activities offered. Any plan will have to be financially viable. The current model, including house rental and croquet lawn rental is not. Previous ideas of selling the site over many years might have been a quick fix but was an unpalatable option for the members who rightly voted against. Doing nothing is not an option. Although many contributors will find it hard to believe I personally cherish the croquet club's existence. I remain sincerely committed to do all I can to find them a new home as close to their current site as possible (bearing in mind their members travel from all across the county) and implore the parish council, local councils, community sports facilities and landowners to help with this.

Lastly, I would point out that I have made no attempt to hide behind anonymity and been as open as I can be taking into account commercial sensitivity which surrounds the club, which is after all a private business. As Chairman of this club I am mindful that I have to represent the interests of the members at all times and this all began in response to the Croquet Club seeking to publicise their plight which I support in the hope we might reach a mutually acceptable outcome.

This seems to have deteriorated into an array assumptions, misinformation, inaccuracies about finances and most regrettably personal criticism.
I stress again that there is a real risk of injury to croquet players, people sitting in gardens and actual damage caused to nearby houses which often, but not always, falls below insurance excess limits at couple of hundred pounds a time, or a few thousand over the course of a year. The croquet area is unsighted from the cricket by a 15+ft high hedge. A net identical to the one at the housing ends might reduce the risk but not sufficiently. Balls still clear the net aimed at protecting the houses. Based on HSE and ECB guidance we simply have to take action.
For the record, I was chatting to the England Blind cricket team at a training session in summer 2013.
The long term intention to change certain aspects of the site, although interesting to many of you, strays off topic. Whilst on that subject, I do hope, Very Knowledgeable in particular, we might one day have the opportunity to reassure you that we do have some "foresight and half decent management" which we will use to protect the site for the future.
I appreciate there is fear of change and opinions will become polarised as we canvas opinions and explore ways to safeguard the site, improving the range of activities offered. Any plan will have to be financially viable. The current model, including house rental and croquet lawn rental is not. Previous ideas of selling the site over many years might have been a quick fix but was an unpalatable option for the members who rightly voted against. Doing nothing is not an option. Although many contributors will find it hard to believe I personally cherish the croquet club's existence. I remain sincerely committed to do all I can to find them a new home as close to their current site as possible (bearing in mind their members travel from all across the county) and implore the parish council, local councils, community sports facilities and landowners to help with this.
Lastly, I would point out that I have made no attempt to hide behind anonymity and been as open as I can be taking into account commercial sensitivity which surrounds the club, which is after all a private business. As Chairman of this club I am mindful that I have to represent the interests of the members at all times and this all began in response to the Croquet Club seeking to publicise their plight which I support in the hope we might reach a mutually acceptable outcome.MikeGoode

This seems to have deteriorated into an array assumptions, misinformation, inaccuracies about finances and most regrettably personal criticism.

I stress again that there is a real risk of injury to croquet players, people sitting in gardens and actual damage caused to nearby houses which often, but not always, falls below insurance excess limits at couple of hundred pounds a time, or a few thousand over the course of a year. The croquet area is unsighted from the cricket by a 15+ft high hedge. A net identical to the one at the housing ends might reduce the risk but not sufficiently. Balls still clear the net aimed at protecting the houses. Based on HSE and ECB guidance we simply have to take action.

For the record, I was chatting to the England Blind cricket team at a training session in summer 2013.

The long term intention to change certain aspects of the site, although interesting to many of you, strays off topic. Whilst on that subject, I do hope, Very Knowledgeable in particular, we might one day have the opportunity to reassure you that we do have some "foresight and half decent management" which we will use to protect the site for the future.

I appreciate there is fear of change and opinions will become polarised as we canvas opinions and explore ways to safeguard the site, improving the range of activities offered. Any plan will have to be financially viable. The current model, including house rental and croquet lawn rental is not. Previous ideas of selling the site over many years might have been a quick fix but was an unpalatable option for the members who rightly voted against. Doing nothing is not an option. Although many contributors will find it hard to believe I personally cherish the croquet club's existence. I remain sincerely committed to do all I can to find them a new home as close to their current site as possible (bearing in mind their members travel from all across the county) and implore the parish council, local councils, community sports facilities and landowners to help with this.

Lastly, I would point out that I have made no attempt to hide behind anonymity and been as open as I can be taking into account commercial sensitivity which surrounds the club, which is after all a private business. As Chairman of this club I am mindful that I have to represent the interests of the members at all times and this all began in response to the Croquet Club seeking to publicise their plight which I support in the hope we might reach a mutually acceptable outcome.

Score: -4

A non mouse
5:09pm Fri 20 Jun 14

Somewhere in here is the crux of a good answer. But it strayed off topic because YOU raised insurance costs, redevelopment and expansion in your original piece to WN (as quoted at least). All irrelevant. No matter how much the H&S justiification looks flawed to the outside world (and having HSE backing by no means makes it sensible) it should have been stated from the outset as the one and only reason for the eviction. The fact that the croquet club went to the press with a moan rather than a plea for a new home, together with the posts from at least one of their members here, still makes me think there has been little communication between them and WNSC, and little evidence of community spirit.

Somewhere in here is the crux of a good answer. But it strayed off topic because YOU raised insurance costs, redevelopment and expansion in your original piece to WN (as quoted at least). All irrelevant. No matter how much the H&S justiification looks flawed to the outside world (and having HSE backing by no means makes it sensible) it should have been stated from the outset as the one and only reason for the eviction. The fact that the croquet club went to the press with a moan rather than a plea for a new home, together with the posts from at least one of their members here, still makes me think there has been little communication between them and WNSC, and little evidence of community spirit.A non mouse

Somewhere in here is the crux of a good answer. But it strayed off topic because YOU raised insurance costs, redevelopment and expansion in your original piece to WN (as quoted at least). All irrelevant. No matter how much the H&S justiification looks flawed to the outside world (and having HSE backing by no means makes it sensible) it should have been stated from the outset as the one and only reason for the eviction. The fact that the croquet club went to the press with a moan rather than a plea for a new home, together with the posts from at least one of their members here, still makes me think there has been little communication between them and WNSC, and little evidence of community spirit.

Score: 5

Very knowledgeable
5:36pm Fri 20 Jun 14

Dear Mr Goode, you say:

"Based on HSE and ECB guidance we simply have to take action."

But when asked if you plan to move the wicket away from the houses that get damaged you said "No."

So you're NOT taking any action to reduce that risk to those properties. Do see that discrepancy? You're actually taking action to reduce the risk of something that's never happened?

I'm sorry but you seem unable to see that so much of what you say actually doesn't make any sense? It's a lot of often contradictory points?

I have to mention that you said: "There are no plans, just ideas"; then "of course we have the essence of a strategic plan". So do you know if there is a plan or if there isn't?

Please keep in mind I'm drawing no conclusions, merely quoting you.

Dear Mr Goode, you say:
"Based on HSE and ECB guidance we simply have to take action."
But when asked if you plan to move the wicket away from the houses that get damaged you said "No."
So you're NOT taking any action to reduce that risk to those properties. Do see that discrepancy? You're actually taking action to reduce the risk of something that's never happened?
I'm sorry but you seem unable to see that so much of what you say actually doesn't make any sense? It's a lot of often contradictory points?
I have to mention that you said: "There are no plans, just ideas"; then "of course we have the essence of a strategic plan". So do you know if there is a plan or if there isn't?
Please keep in mind I'm drawing no conclusions, merely quoting you.Very knowledgeable

Dear Mr Goode, you say:

"Based on HSE and ECB guidance we simply have to take action."

But when asked if you plan to move the wicket away from the houses that get damaged you said "No."

So you're NOT taking any action to reduce that risk to those properties. Do see that discrepancy? You're actually taking action to reduce the risk of something that's never happened?

I'm sorry but you seem unable to see that so much of what you say actually doesn't make any sense? It's a lot of often contradictory points?

I have to mention that you said: "There are no plans, just ideas"; then "of course we have the essence of a strategic plan". So do you know if there is a plan or if there isn't?

Please keep in mind I'm drawing no conclusions, merely quoting you.

Score: 4

CJH
11:56pm Fri 20 Jun 14

Very knowledgeable wrote…

CJH, Agenda? By all means. I get a little concerned when an organisation claims to be at the heart of a community, but won't let ordinary members of that community join. I also get worried when a senior representative of that organisation makes contradictory statements. I don't live in Norton, but I used to and I still visit from time to time. When I realised what Mr Goode was saying just didn't seem to fit all together I decided to contribute. I'm not a member of any of the clubs. I am a strong advocate of common sense. I hope that I've given Mr Goode some food for thought.

Oh for goodness sake, it's a cricket club, not the Mafia. You're just posturing now. It's not about the community at all, it's about you being 'very knowledgeable' (apparently).

[quote][p][bold]Very knowledgeable[/bold] wrote:
CJH, Agenda? By all means. I get a little concerned when an organisation claims to be at the heart of a community, but won't let ordinary members of that community join. I also get worried when a senior representative of that organisation makes contradictory statements. I don't live in Norton, but I used to and I still visit from time to time. When I realised what Mr Goode was saying just didn't seem to fit all together I decided to contribute. I'm not a member of any of the clubs. I am a strong advocate of common sense. I hope that I've given Mr Goode some food for thought.[/p][/quote]Oh for goodness sake, it's a cricket club, not the Mafia. You're just posturing now. It's not about the community at all, it's about you being 'very knowledgeable' (apparently).CJH

Very knowledgeable wrote…

CJH, Agenda? By all means. I get a little concerned when an organisation claims to be at the heart of a community, but won't let ordinary members of that community join. I also get worried when a senior representative of that organisation makes contradictory statements. I don't live in Norton, but I used to and I still visit from time to time. When I realised what Mr Goode was saying just didn't seem to fit all together I decided to contribute. I'm not a member of any of the clubs. I am a strong advocate of common sense. I hope that I've given Mr Goode some food for thought.

Oh for goodness sake, it's a cricket club, not the Mafia. You're just posturing now. It's not about the community at all, it's about you being 'very knowledgeable' (apparently).

Score: -1

CJH
7:46pm Fri 20 Jun 14

Very knowledgeable wrote…

Dear Mr Goode, you say:

"Based on HSE and ECB guidance we simply have to take action."

But when asked if you plan to move the wicket away from the houses that get damaged you said "No."

So you're NOT taking any action to reduce that risk to those properties. Do see that discrepancy? You're actually taking action to reduce the risk of something that's never happened?

I'm sorry but you seem unable to see that so much of what you say actually doesn't make any sense? It's a lot of often contradictory points?

I have to mention that you said: "There are no plans, just ideas"; then "of course we have the essence of a strategic plan". So do you know if there is a plan or if there isn't?

Please keep in mind I'm drawing no conclusions, merely quoting you.

Blimey, you don't know when to stop do you? You obviously have a personal agenda in this. Perhaps in the interests of fairness you should tell us what it is? And quick, before I lapse into a deep sleep...

[quote][p][bold]Very knowledgeable[/bold] wrote:
Dear Mr Goode, you say:
"Based on HSE and ECB guidance we simply have to take action."
But when asked if you plan to move the wicket away from the houses that get damaged you said "No."
So you're NOT taking any action to reduce that risk to those properties. Do see that discrepancy? You're actually taking action to reduce the risk of something that's never happened?
I'm sorry but you seem unable to see that so much of what you say actually doesn't make any sense? It's a lot of often contradictory points?
I have to mention that you said: "There are no plans, just ideas"; then "of course we have the essence of a strategic plan". So do you know if there is a plan or if there isn't?
Please keep in mind I'm drawing no conclusions, merely quoting you.[/p][/quote]Blimey, you don't know when to stop do you? You obviously have a personal agenda in this. Perhaps in the interests of fairness you should tell us what it is? And quick, before I lapse into a deep sleep...CJH

Very knowledgeable wrote…

Dear Mr Goode, you say:

"Based on HSE and ECB guidance we simply have to take action."

But when asked if you plan to move the wicket away from the houses that get damaged you said "No."

So you're NOT taking any action to reduce that risk to those properties. Do see that discrepancy? You're actually taking action to reduce the risk of something that's never happened?

I'm sorry but you seem unable to see that so much of what you say actually doesn't make any sense? It's a lot of often contradictory points?

I have to mention that you said: "There are no plans, just ideas"; then "of course we have the essence of a strategic plan". So do you know if there is a plan or if there isn't?

Please keep in mind I'm drawing no conclusions, merely quoting you.

Blimey, you don't know when to stop do you? You obviously have a personal agenda in this. Perhaps in the interests of fairness you should tell us what it is? And quick, before I lapse into a deep sleep...

Score: 2

Andy Longdon
9:10pm Fri 20 Jun 14

Well there was I sat in my garden drinking a small beer to soften the blow of England's World Cup exit, listening to the sounds of children playing excitedly on the cricket pitch to the backdrop of croquet mallet against ball, punctuated by the occasional burst of small arms fire, thinking all was well in our small part of the world, when I happened upon this most commented (by a mile) article in Worcester News. How wrong was I?
I'm not a lawyer, but is a possible answer here for the croquet club to have an indemnity clause in their tenancy agreement such that if they or their equipment are hit, damaged or injured by flying balls (or bats) then the sports club, cricket club or any visiting player can not be held responsible?
If the croquet players are prepared to stay at their own risk then the sports club doesn't need them to move, does it? Just a suggestion.

Well there was I sat in my garden drinking a small beer to soften the blow of England's World Cup exit, listening to the sounds of children playing excitedly on the cricket pitch to the backdrop of croquet mallet against ball, punctuated by the occasional burst of small arms fire, thinking all was well in our small part of the world, when I happened upon this most commented (by a mile) article in Worcester News. How wrong was I?
I'm not a lawyer, but is a possible answer here for the croquet club to have an indemnity clause in their tenancy agreement such that if they or their equipment are hit, damaged or injured by flying balls (or bats) then the sports club, cricket club or any visiting player can not be held responsible?
If the croquet players are prepared to stay at their own risk then the sports club doesn't need them to move, does it? Just a suggestion.Andy Longdon

Well there was I sat in my garden drinking a small beer to soften the blow of England's World Cup exit, listening to the sounds of children playing excitedly on the cricket pitch to the backdrop of croquet mallet against ball, punctuated by the occasional burst of small arms fire, thinking all was well in our small part of the world, when I happened upon this most commented (by a mile) article in Worcester News. How wrong was I?
I'm not a lawyer, but is a possible answer here for the croquet club to have an indemnity clause in their tenancy agreement such that if they or their equipment are hit, damaged or injured by flying balls (or bats) then the sports club, cricket club or any visiting player can not be held responsible?
If the croquet players are prepared to stay at their own risk then the sports club doesn't need them to move, does it? Just a suggestion.

Score: 8

Very knowledgeable
9:30pm Fri 20 Jun 14

CJH, Agenda? By all means. I get a little concerned when an organisation claims to be at the heart of a community, but won't let ordinary members of that community join. I also get worried when a senior representative of that organisation makes contradictory statements. I don't live in Norton, but I used to and I still visit from time to time. When I realised what Mr Goode was saying just didn't seem to fit all together I decided to contribute. I'm not a member of any of the clubs. I am a strong advocate of common sense. I hope that I've given Mr Goode some food for thought.

CJH, Agenda? By all means. I get a little concerned when an organisation claims to be at the heart of a community, but won't let ordinary members of that community join. I also get worried when a senior representative of that organisation makes contradictory statements. I don't live in Norton, but I used to and I still visit from time to time. When I realised what Mr Goode was saying just didn't seem to fit all together I decided to contribute. I'm not a member of any of the clubs. I am a strong advocate of common sense. I hope that I've given Mr Goode some food for thought.Very knowledgeable

CJH, Agenda? By all means. I get a little concerned when an organisation claims to be at the heart of a community, but won't let ordinary members of that community join. I also get worried when a senior representative of that organisation makes contradictory statements. I don't live in Norton, but I used to and I still visit from time to time. When I realised what Mr Goode was saying just didn't seem to fit all together I decided to contribute. I'm not a member of any of the clubs. I am a strong advocate of common sense. I hope that I've given Mr Goode some food for thought.

Score: 2

themooman
10:28pm Fri 20 Jun 14

I think what everybody is saying "very knowledgeable" is that you have now become boring, just blabbing on about the same rubbish. If your that keen head on down to the club I can assure you someone will be around in a Saturday from 1pm through to 7ish and raise your issues with them personally. Tool!

I think what everybody is saying "very knowledgeable" is that you have now become boring, just blabbing on about the same rubbish. If your that keen head on down to the club I can assure you someone will be around in a Saturday from 1pm through to 7ish and raise your issues with them personally. Tool!themooman

I think what everybody is saying "very knowledgeable" is that you have now become boring, just blabbing on about the same rubbish. If your that keen head on down to the club I can assure you someone will be around in a Saturday from 1pm through to 7ish and raise your issues with them personally. Tool!

Score: -4

Andy Longdon
9:00am Sat 21 Jun 14

Hello LadyNewsWorcester56. Yes I did wade through all 70+ posts (my beer had to go back in the fridge!). Not easy to avoid the posts trying to take the discussion off track, but if I've managed to see through the fog then the only reason for the eviction at present is health and safety. If the "own risk" clause is OK with both parties, then it only buys you more time. If any of the speculation and postulation ever gets anywhere close to reality, your landlord may still want you off at some point in the future. But a rolling short term lease with mutually acceptable liability clauses may be in both your interests (time to find a new home and get it up to standard) and theirs (continued income).
As for the pot of gold, sorry, can't help you there. Anyone who reads your last post cannot fail to feel the anguish and distress you and your fellow members are going through; I sincerely hope you manage to secure your short and long term future. Good luck!

Hello LadyNewsWorcester56. Yes I did wade through all 70+ posts (my beer had to go back in the fridge!). Not easy to avoid the posts trying to take the discussion off track, but if I've managed to see through the fog then the only reason for the eviction at present is health and safety. If the "own risk" clause is OK with both parties, then it only buys you more time. If any of the speculation and postulation ever gets anywhere close to reality, your landlord may still want you off at some point in the future. But a rolling short term lease with mutually acceptable liability clauses may be in both your interests (time to find a new home and get it up to standard) and theirs (continued income).
As for the pot of gold, sorry, can't help you there. Anyone who reads your last post cannot fail to feel the anguish and distress you and your fellow members are going through; I sincerely hope you manage to secure your short and long term future. Good luck!Andy Longdon

Hello LadyNewsWorcester56. Yes I did wade through all 70+ posts (my beer had to go back in the fridge!). Not easy to avoid the posts trying to take the discussion off track, but if I've managed to see through the fog then the only reason for the eviction at present is health and safety. If the "own risk" clause is OK with both parties, then it only buys you more time. If any of the speculation and postulation ever gets anywhere close to reality, your landlord may still want you off at some point in the future. But a rolling short term lease with mutually acceptable liability clauses may be in both your interests (time to find a new home and get it up to standard) and theirs (continued income).
As for the pot of gold, sorry, can't help you there. Anyone who reads your last post cannot fail to feel the anguish and distress you and your fellow members are going through; I sincerely hope you manage to secure your short and long term future. Good luck!

Score: 6

LadyNewsWorcester56
11:50pm Fri 20 Jun 14

Andy Longdon wrote…

Well there was I sat in my garden drinking a small beer to soften the blow of England's World Cup exit, listening to the sounds of children playing excitedly on the cricket pitch to the backdrop of croquet mallet against ball, punctuated by the occasional burst of small arms fire, thinking all was well in our small part of the world, when I happened upon this most commented (by a mile) article in Worcester News. How wrong was I?
I'm not a lawyer, but is a possible answer here for the croquet club to have an indemnity clause in their tenancy agreement such that if they or their equipment are hit, damaged or injured by flying balls (or bats) then the sports club, cricket club or any visiting player can not be held responsible?
If the croquet players are prepared to stay at their own risk then the sports club doesn't need them to move, does it? Just a suggestion.

Thank you for taking the time to comment on our situation and your great suggestion.

If you have read most of the 70+ comments then you will have noted that the real reason why we're being evicted isn't because of the possible danger to us. It's more to do with the fact that Worcester Norton Cricket Club can't afford the repair costs and increased insurance premiums due to their members / players action on the cricket field. They aspire to playing in the Birmingham cricket league which, if I've got this right, requires them to increase the size of their playing area. H&S isn't the main reason. We're in the way. Their aspirations to expand will mean massacring the environment our side of the top field. The fact that both the Stewards House and trees are protected doesn't seem to matter. As for the bats, they've been dismissed as well.

We at the Croquet Club would welcome the opportunity to discuss our future within the community of Norton. After all it's not our choice to leave. Several of us live within walking distance of the lawns. It will be a very sad day when we close our club door at the end of the season.

We had our own development plans for our club including increasing our membership. Historically we have run charity events and special days / evenings for local businesses, including hosting the Worcestershire WI. We were even planning to hold special croquet matches linked to the World War One celebrations being organised in Norton. We wanted to . . . sorry. It's just, :( it's the end of an era.

It takes two years to establish a croquet lawn (same quality as a bowls lawn). Currently we have two wonderful lawns, a club house, an outside loo, 8' high laurel hedges and privacy. To replace what we have - like for like - will be neigh on impossible in the short term so the future of our club is very uncertain. Yes the majority of our members are mature. The founders of the club still play thirty years on. They've put hearts and souls into building the club and now it's under threat, and for what? Supposedly to protect us when we play. But we now know that's not the real reason.

Within the parish there are playing fields at the village hall which if only the cricket club would accept the fact that they have out grown the space at the barracks, I'm sure arrangements could be made for the 'big boys' to play there. Or they could turn the wicket through 90 degrees and instal proper high fencing. Thus, no more big bills for repairs, (happy neighbours), insurance premiums may even reduce, the environment at the barracks wouldn't be destroyed and yes - we could stay where we are.

Unless you know someone with a spare 3/4 to an acre of flat land, vehicle access and connectivity to utilities, plus a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, I am really fearful that the days of Worcester Norton Croquet Club are numbered.

[quote][p][bold]Andy Longdon[/bold] wrote:
Well there was I sat in my garden drinking a small beer to soften the blow of England's World Cup exit, listening to the sounds of children playing excitedly on the cricket pitch to the backdrop of croquet mallet against ball, punctuated by the occasional burst of small arms fire, thinking all was well in our small part of the world, when I happened upon this most commented (by a mile) article in Worcester News. How wrong was I?
I'm not a lawyer, but is a possible answer here for the croquet club to have an indemnity clause in their tenancy agreement such that if they or their equipment are hit, damaged or injured by flying balls (or bats) then the sports club, cricket club or any visiting player can not be held responsible?
If the croquet players are prepared to stay at their own risk then the sports club doesn't need them to move, does it? Just a suggestion.[/p][/quote]Thank you for taking the time to comment on our situation and your great suggestion.
If you have read most of the 70+ comments then you will have noted that the real reason why we're being evicted isn't because of the possible danger to us. It's more to do with the fact that Worcester Norton Cricket Club can't afford the repair costs and increased insurance premiums due to their members / players action on the cricket field. They aspire to playing in the Birmingham cricket league which, if I've got this right, requires them to increase the size of their playing area. H&S isn't the main reason. We're in the way. Their aspirations to expand will mean massacring the environment our side of the top field. The fact that both the Stewards House and trees are protected doesn't seem to matter. As for the bats, they've been dismissed as well.
We at the Croquet Club would welcome the opportunity to discuss our future within the community of Norton. After all it's not our choice to leave. Several of us live within walking distance of the lawns. It will be a very sad day when we close our club door at the end of the season.
We had our own development plans for our club including increasing our membership. Historically we have run charity events and special days / evenings for local businesses, including hosting the Worcestershire WI. We were even planning to hold special croquet matches linked to the World War One celebrations being organised in Norton. We wanted to . . . sorry. It's just, :( it's the end of an era.
It takes two years to establish a croquet lawn (same quality as a bowls lawn). Currently we have two wonderful lawns, a club house, an outside loo, 8' high laurel hedges and privacy. To replace what we have - like for like - will be neigh on impossible in the short term so the future of our club is very uncertain. Yes the majority of our members are mature. The founders of the club still play thirty years on. They've put hearts and souls into building the club and now it's under threat, and for what? Supposedly to protect us when we play. But we now know that's not the real reason.
Within the parish there are playing fields at the village hall which if only the cricket club would accept the fact that they have out grown the space at the barracks, I'm sure arrangements could be made for the 'big boys' to play there. Or they could turn the wicket through 90 degrees and instal proper high fencing. Thus, no more big bills for repairs, (happy neighbours), insurance premiums may even reduce, the environment at the barracks wouldn't be destroyed and yes - we could stay where we are.
Unless you know someone with a spare 3/4 to an acre of flat land, vehicle access and connectivity to utilities, plus a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, I am really fearful that the days of Worcester Norton Croquet Club are numbered.LadyNewsWorcester56

Andy Longdon wrote…

Well there was I sat in my garden drinking a small beer to soften the blow of England's World Cup exit, listening to the sounds of children playing excitedly on the cricket pitch to the backdrop of croquet mallet against ball, punctuated by the occasional burst of small arms fire, thinking all was well in our small part of the world, when I happened upon this most commented (by a mile) article in Worcester News. How wrong was I?
I'm not a lawyer, but is a possible answer here for the croquet club to have an indemnity clause in their tenancy agreement such that if they or their equipment are hit, damaged or injured by flying balls (or bats) then the sports club, cricket club or any visiting player can not be held responsible?
If the croquet players are prepared to stay at their own risk then the sports club doesn't need them to move, does it? Just a suggestion.

Thank you for taking the time to comment on our situation and your great suggestion.

If you have read most of the 70+ comments then you will have noted that the real reason why we're being evicted isn't because of the possible danger to us. It's more to do with the fact that Worcester Norton Cricket Club can't afford the repair costs and increased insurance premiums due to their members / players action on the cricket field. They aspire to playing in the Birmingham cricket league which, if I've got this right, requires them to increase the size of their playing area. H&S isn't the main reason. We're in the way. Their aspirations to expand will mean massacring the environment our side of the top field. The fact that both the Stewards House and trees are protected doesn't seem to matter. As for the bats, they've been dismissed as well.

We at the Croquet Club would welcome the opportunity to discuss our future within the community of Norton. After all it's not our choice to leave. Several of us live within walking distance of the lawns. It will be a very sad day when we close our club door at the end of the season.

We had our own development plans for our club including increasing our membership. Historically we have run charity events and special days / evenings for local businesses, including hosting the Worcestershire WI. We were even planning to hold special croquet matches linked to the World War One celebrations being organised in Norton. We wanted to . . . sorry. It's just, :( it's the end of an era.

It takes two years to establish a croquet lawn (same quality as a bowls lawn). Currently we have two wonderful lawns, a club house, an outside loo, 8' high laurel hedges and privacy. To replace what we have - like for like - will be neigh on impossible in the short term so the future of our club is very uncertain. Yes the majority of our members are mature. The founders of the club still play thirty years on. They've put hearts and souls into building the club and now it's under threat, and for what? Supposedly to protect us when we play. But we now know that's not the real reason.

Within the parish there are playing fields at the village hall which if only the cricket club would accept the fact that they have out grown the space at the barracks, I'm sure arrangements could be made for the 'big boys' to play there. Or they could turn the wicket through 90 degrees and instal proper high fencing. Thus, no more big bills for repairs, (happy neighbours), insurance premiums may even reduce, the environment at the barracks wouldn't be destroyed and yes - we could stay where we are.

Unless you know someone with a spare 3/4 to an acre of flat land, vehicle access and connectivity to utilities, plus a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, I am really fearful that the days of Worcester Norton Croquet Club are numbered.

Score: 6

jovialcommonsense
9:52am Sat 21 Jun 14

Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?

Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?jovialcommonsense

Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?

Score: 2

LadyNewsWorcester56
3:49pm Sat 21 Jun 14

jovialcommonsense wrote…

Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?

I'm sure something could be sorted. Might not be able to get hold of people until Monday though due to holidays and matches. Post something back to you Monday evening, if that's ok? And, thank you . . .

[quote][p][bold]jovialcommonsense[/bold] wrote:
Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?[/p][/quote]I'm sure something could be sorted. Might not be able to get hold of people until Monday though due to holidays and matches. Post something back to you Monday evening, if that's ok? And, thank you . . .LadyNewsWorcester56

jovialcommonsense wrote…

Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?

I'm sure something could be sorted. Might not be able to get hold of people until Monday though due to holidays and matches. Post something back to you Monday evening, if that's ok? And, thank you . . .

Score: 0

themooman
4:36pm Sat 21 Jun 14

Is croquet even a sport?

Is croquet even a sport?themooman

Is croquet even a sport?

Score: -4

LadyNewsWorcester56
11:03pm Sat 21 Jun 14

themooman wrote…

Is croquet even a sport?

Yes

[quote][p][bold]themooman[/bold] wrote:
Is croquet even a sport?[/p][/quote]YesLadyNewsWorcester56

themooman wrote…

Is croquet even a sport?

Yes

Score: 3

jovialcommonsense
10:57am Sun 22 Jun 14

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

jovialcommonsense wrote…

Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?

I'm sure something could be sorted. Might not be able to get hold of people until Monday though due to holidays and matches. Post something back to you Monday evening, if that's ok? And, thank you . . .

There is no need to report back to me. Just hope you can all find an amicable agreement.
I tend to find if you can understand others predicament you can help them overcome their problems whilst bearing your own situation in mind. Emotional defence of your own situation tends to be a head against a brick wall exercise, the wall hurts!
Good luck.

[quote][p][bold]LadyNewsWorcester56[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jovialcommonsense[/bold] wrote:
Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?[/p][/quote]I'm sure something could be sorted. Might not be able to get hold of people until Monday though due to holidays and matches. Post something back to you Monday evening, if that's ok? And, thank you . . .[/p][/quote]There is no need to report back to me. Just hope you can all find an amicable agreement.
I tend to find if you can understand others predicament you can help them overcome their problems whilst bearing your own situation in mind. Emotional defence of your own situation tends to be a head against a brick wall exercise, the wall hurts!
Good luck.jovialcommonsense

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

jovialcommonsense wrote…

Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?

I'm sure something could be sorted. Might not be able to get hold of people until Monday though due to holidays and matches. Post something back to you Monday evening, if that's ok? And, thank you . . .

There is no need to report back to me. Just hope you can all find an amicable agreement.
I tend to find if you can understand others predicament you can help them overcome their problems whilst bearing your own situation in mind. Emotional defence of your own situation tends to be a head against a brick wall exercise, the wall hurts!
Good luck.

Score: 3

LadyNewsWorcester56
6:36pm Sun 22 Jun 14

jovialcommonsense wrote…

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

jovialcommonsense wrote…

Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?

I'm sure something could be sorted. Might not be able to get hold of people until Monday though due to holidays and matches. Post something back to you Monday evening, if that's ok? And, thank you . . .

There is no need to report back to me. Just hope you can all find an amicable agreement.
I tend to find if you can understand others predicament you can help them overcome their problems whilst bearing your own situation in mind. Emotional defence of your own situation tends to be a head against a brick wall exercise, the wall hurts!
Good luck.

Thank you.

[quote][p][bold]jovialcommonsense[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]LadyNewsWorcester56[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jovialcommonsense[/bold] wrote:
Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?[/p][/quote]I'm sure something could be sorted. Might not be able to get hold of people until Monday though due to holidays and matches. Post something back to you Monday evening, if that's ok? And, thank you . . .[/p][/quote]There is no need to report back to me. Just hope you can all find an amicable agreement.
I tend to find if you can understand others predicament you can help them overcome their problems whilst bearing your own situation in mind. Emotional defence of your own situation tends to be a head against a brick wall exercise, the wall hurts!
Good luck.[/p][/quote]Thank you.LadyNewsWorcester56

jovialcommonsense wrote…

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

jovialcommonsense wrote…

Perhaps the grounds team, without "committee" interference, of each club could get together to discuss the needs of each sport. Then a better, less emotional view of the situation may be forthcoming?

I'm sure something could be sorted. Might not be able to get hold of people until Monday though due to holidays and matches. Post something back to you Monday evening, if that's ok? And, thank you . . .

There is no need to report back to me. Just hope you can all find an amicable agreement.
I tend to find if you can understand others predicament you can help them overcome their problems whilst bearing your own situation in mind. Emotional defence of your own situation tends to be a head against a brick wall exercise, the wall hurts!
Good luck.

Thank you.

Score: 2

LadyNewsWorcester56
10:44pm Mon 23 Jun 14

Good evening Worcestershire.

I was asked earlier this evening "what have you accomplished by going to the press?" We'll, reflecting on the past week we have established that:
1. Yes, there is a slight risk of croquet players being hit by cricket balls.
2. Rather than erect a fence or net to reduce the risk of flying cricket balls, the Cricket Club, a division of the Sports Club Ltd, want to evict us.
3. In reality the greater risk is to our neighbours at the far side of the cricket field from flying balls damaging their property and people.
4. The Cricket Club appears, from what has been said, appears not to be able to afford the rising repair and insurance claims.
5. The Cricket Club want to play in the Birmingham league.
6. The Cricket Club need a larger cricket field to be able to play in the Birmingham league.
7. The Cricket Club intend to demolish the stewards house, two trees, hedging, roads, etc.
8. The Cricket Club / Sports Club Ltd will need to have planning permission for such a project.
9. The project has no firm plans, just aspiration at present.

We've also discovered that there is currently a consultation questionnaire in circulation. That activity raises a question as to what is going to happen once the data has been collated? When is the data being collated because the questionnaire has no deadline date on it nor a central return address?

Knowing all of this, it makes one wonder if this questionnaire activity is being undertaken because there is some 'funding / grants available? If so, is it for the community and we at the Croquet Club could benefit from some?.. Or is it all going to just the Cricket Club / Sports Club Ltd so they can afford to destroy the historic barracks sport ground ready for playing in the Birmingham league? It does make you think.

Over the last week some good ideas and potential solutions have been made including - turning the wicket 90 degrees; the 'big boys' play their games somewhere else that safer all round and the erection of a proper fence.

By going to the press we haven't just highlighted our predicament but also gathered ideas for solving it.

There is always another one - let the Croquet Club buy their lawns etc. the community will benefit from a world class sport for all. It would generate some funds for the Sports Club Ltd / Cricket Club to spend on erecting a proper fence and turn the wicket 90 degrees. (After all, their second wicket on the bottom field is the other way round). Just a thought!

Good evening Worcestershire.
I was asked earlier this evening "what have you accomplished by going to the press?" We'll, reflecting on the past week we have established that:
1. Yes, there is a slight risk of croquet players being hit by cricket balls.
2. Rather than erect a fence or net to reduce the risk of flying cricket balls, the Cricket Club, a division of the Sports Club Ltd, want to evict us.
3. In reality the greater risk is to our neighbours at the far side of the cricket field from flying balls damaging their property and people.
4. The Cricket Club appears, from what has been said, appears not to be able to afford the rising repair and insurance claims.
5. The Cricket Club want to play in the Birmingham league.
6. The Cricket Club need a larger cricket field to be able to play in the Birmingham league.
7. The Cricket Club intend to demolish the stewards house, two trees, hedging, roads, etc.
8. The Cricket Club / Sports Club Ltd will need to have planning permission for such a project.
9. The project has no firm plans, just aspiration at present.
We've also discovered that there is currently a consultation questionnaire in circulation. That activity raises a question as to what is going to happen once the data has been collated? When is the data being collated because the questionnaire has no deadline date on it nor a central return address?
Knowing all of this, it makes one wonder if this questionnaire activity is being undertaken because there is some 'funding / grants available? If so, is it for the community and we at the Croquet Club could benefit from some?.. Or is it all going to just the Cricket Club / Sports Club Ltd so they can afford to destroy the historic barracks sport ground ready for playing in the Birmingham league? It does make you think.
Over the last week some good ideas and potential solutions have been made including - turning the wicket 90 degrees; the 'big boys' play their games somewhere else that safer all round and the erection of a proper fence.
By going to the press we haven't just highlighted our predicament but also gathered ideas for solving it.
There is always another one - let the Croquet Club buy their lawns etc. the community will benefit from a world class sport for all. It would generate some funds for the Sports Club Ltd / Cricket Club to spend on erecting a proper fence and turn the wicket 90 degrees. (After all, their second wicket on the bottom field is the other way round). Just a thought!LadyNewsWorcester56

Good evening Worcestershire.

I was asked earlier this evening "what have you accomplished by going to the press?" We'll, reflecting on the past week we have established that:
1. Yes, there is a slight risk of croquet players being hit by cricket balls.
2. Rather than erect a fence or net to reduce the risk of flying cricket balls, the Cricket Club, a division of the Sports Club Ltd, want to evict us.
3. In reality the greater risk is to our neighbours at the far side of the cricket field from flying balls damaging their property and people.
4. The Cricket Club appears, from what has been said, appears not to be able to afford the rising repair and insurance claims.
5. The Cricket Club want to play in the Birmingham league.
6. The Cricket Club need a larger cricket field to be able to play in the Birmingham league.
7. The Cricket Club intend to demolish the stewards house, two trees, hedging, roads, etc.
8. The Cricket Club / Sports Club Ltd will need to have planning permission for such a project.
9. The project has no firm plans, just aspiration at present.

We've also discovered that there is currently a consultation questionnaire in circulation. That activity raises a question as to what is going to happen once the data has been collated? When is the data being collated because the questionnaire has no deadline date on it nor a central return address?

Knowing all of this, it makes one wonder if this questionnaire activity is being undertaken because there is some 'funding / grants available? If so, is it for the community and we at the Croquet Club could benefit from some?.. Or is it all going to just the Cricket Club / Sports Club Ltd so they can afford to destroy the historic barracks sport ground ready for playing in the Birmingham league? It does make you think.

Over the last week some good ideas and potential solutions have been made including - turning the wicket 90 degrees; the 'big boys' play their games somewhere else that safer all round and the erection of a proper fence.

By going to the press we haven't just highlighted our predicament but also gathered ideas for solving it.

There is always another one - let the Croquet Club buy their lawns etc. the community will benefit from a world class sport for all. It would generate some funds for the Sports Club Ltd / Cricket Club to spend on erecting a proper fence and turn the wicket 90 degrees. (After all, their second wicket on the bottom field is the other way round). Just a thought!

Score: 0

MrWXYZ
2:13pm Tue 24 Jun 14

Firstly i'm disappointed this has moved off the most commented page without reaching 100.

Secondly there would be issues with turning the wicket around - they'd have to move the pavillion as this would be directly behind the bowlers arm. And the field would still be the same width ways so both houses and croquet lawns still open to sixes hit square of the wicket.

Firstly i'm disappointed this has moved off the most commented page without reaching 100.
Secondly there would be issues with turning the wicket around - they'd have to move the pavillion as this would be directly behind the bowlers arm. And the field would still be the same width ways so both houses and croquet lawns still open to sixes hit square of the wicket.MrWXYZ

Firstly i'm disappointed this has moved off the most commented page without reaching 100.

Secondly there would be issues with turning the wicket around - they'd have to move the pavillion as this would be directly behind the bowlers arm. And the field would still be the same width ways so both houses and croquet lawns still open to sixes hit square of the wicket.

Score: 2

MikeGoode
3:34pm Tue 24 Jun 14

89 N.O

I was at the ground Saturday, some of Sunday and yesterday evening and no one came to speak to me :(

If LadyNewsWorcester56 had attended the recent AGM, or her fellow members had shared the information discussed at the AGM or in previous meetings then none of the above would have been "news"

A look on Googlemaps will show that both wickets now run the same way.

89 N.O
I was at the ground Saturday, some of Sunday and yesterday evening and no one came to speak to me :(
If LadyNewsWorcester56 had attended the recent AGM, or her fellow members had shared the information discussed at the AGM or in previous meetings then none of the above would have been "news"
A look on Googlemaps will show that both wickets now run the same way.MikeGoode

89 N.O

I was at the ground Saturday, some of Sunday and yesterday evening and no one came to speak to me :(

If LadyNewsWorcester56 had attended the recent AGM, or her fellow members had shared the information discussed at the AGM or in previous meetings then none of the above would have been "news"

A look on Googlemaps will show that both wickets now run the same way.

Score: 0

A non mouse
4:21pm Tue 24 Jun 14

What about the suggestion to allow them to carry on if they sign a disclaimer? Are there any reasons other than the H&S one that forces you to evict them now? Or do you expect ideas to become firm plans before the start of the next croquet season anyway so they may as well go now?

What about the suggestion to allow them to carry on if they sign a disclaimer? Are there any reasons other than the H&S one that forces you to evict them now? Or do you expect ideas to become firm plans before the start of the next croquet season anyway so they may as well go now?A non mouse

What about the suggestion to allow them to carry on if they sign a disclaimer? Are there any reasons other than the H&S one that forces you to evict them now? Or do you expect ideas to become firm plans before the start of the next croquet season anyway so they may as well go now?

Score: 2

MikeGoode
4:46pm Tue 24 Jun 14

A non mouse

You sum up the current position nicely. They are currently playing under a disclaimer and together (playing times and exploring netting) we are trying to minimise risk.

My understanding is there is a basic legal principle that one can never disclaim liability for negligent injury or death . Although this may apply in civil actions, disclaiming is potentially a criminal offence under the relatively new (2010) corporate manslaughter legislation.

Liability for damage to property on the other hand can be excluded but only subject to certain rules.

A non mouse
You sum up the current position nicely. They are currently playing under a disclaimer and together (playing times and exploring netting) we are trying to minimise risk.
My understanding is there is a basic legal principle that one can never disclaim liability for negligent injury or death . Although this may apply in civil actions, disclaiming is potentially a criminal offence under the relatively new (2010) corporate manslaughter legislation.
Liability for damage to property on the other hand can be excluded but only subject to certain rules.MikeGoode

A non mouse

You sum up the current position nicely. They are currently playing under a disclaimer and together (playing times and exploring netting) we are trying to minimise risk.

My understanding is there is a basic legal principle that one can never disclaim liability for negligent injury or death . Although this may apply in civil actions, disclaiming is potentially a criminal offence under the relatively new (2010) corporate manslaughter legislation.

Liability for damage to property on the other hand can be excluded but only subject to certain rules.

Score: 0

A non mouse
9:57am Fri 27 Jun 14

MikeGoode wrote…

A non mouse

You sum up the current position nicely. They are currently playing under a disclaimer and together (playing times and exploring netting) we are trying to minimise risk.

My understanding is there is a basic legal principle that one can never disclaim liability for negligent injury or death . Although this may apply in civil actions, disclaiming is potentially a criminal offence under the relatively new (2010) corporate manslaughter legislation.

Liability for damage to property on the other hand can be excluded but only subject to certain rules.

Fair enough I guess. Don't see how WNSC could be deemed negligent if it has made it abundantly clear to the croquet players that they are putting themselves at risk, but not an expert here. Don't lawyers play cricket or croquet? Or are none prepared to offer any advice for free?

[quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote:
A non mouse
You sum up the current position nicely. They are currently playing under a disclaimer and together (playing times and exploring netting) we are trying to minimise risk.
My understanding is there is a basic legal principle that one can never disclaim liability for negligent injury or death . Although this may apply in civil actions, disclaiming is potentially a criminal offence under the relatively new (2010) corporate manslaughter legislation.
Liability for damage to property on the other hand can be excluded but only subject to certain rules.[/p][/quote]Fair enough I guess. Don't see how WNSC could be deemed negligent if it has made it abundantly clear to the croquet players that they are putting themselves at risk, but not an expert here. Don't lawyers play cricket or croquet? Or are none prepared to offer any advice for free?A non mouse

MikeGoode wrote…

A non mouse

You sum up the current position nicely. They are currently playing under a disclaimer and together (playing times and exploring netting) we are trying to minimise risk.

My understanding is there is a basic legal principle that one can never disclaim liability for negligent injury or death . Although this may apply in civil actions, disclaiming is potentially a criminal offence under the relatively new (2010) corporate manslaughter legislation.

Liability for damage to property on the other hand can be excluded but only subject to certain rules.

Fair enough I guess. Don't see how WNSC could be deemed negligent if it has made it abundantly clear to the croquet players that they are putting themselves at risk, but not an expert here. Don't lawyers play cricket or croquet? Or are none prepared to offer any advice for free?

Score: -2

LadyNewsWorcester56
9:34am Fri 27 Jun 14

MikeGoode wrote…

89 N.O

I was at the ground Saturday, some of Sunday and yesterday evening and no one came to speak to me :(

If LadyNewsWorcester56 had attended the recent AGM, or her fellow members had shared the information discussed at the AGM or in previous meetings then none of the above would have been "news"

A look on Googlemaps will show that both wickets now run the same way.

Thank you for drawing my attention to Google maps.

Yes, it does appear that both the top and bottom fields are running in the same direction. The images are not live as can be seen by the road closure at the St Peters roundabout. It's interesting to note that the wicket on the top lawn is not running north south but more like southwest northeast. Also, the bottom lawn appears larger than to top one so perhaps the team could swop lawns?

[quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote:
89 N.O
I was at the ground Saturday, some of Sunday and yesterday evening and no one came to speak to me :(
If LadyNewsWorcester56 had attended the recent AGM, or her fellow members had shared the information discussed at the AGM or in previous meetings then none of the above would have been "news"
A look on Googlemaps will show that both wickets now run the same way.[/p][/quote]Thank you for drawing my attention to Google maps.
Yes, it does appear that both the top and bottom fields are running in the same direction. The images are not live as can be seen by the road closure at the St Peters roundabout. It's interesting to note that the wicket on the top lawn is not running north south but more like southwest northeast. Also, the bottom lawn appears larger than to top one so perhaps the team could swop lawns?LadyNewsWorcester56

MikeGoode wrote…

89 N.O

I was at the ground Saturday, some of Sunday and yesterday evening and no one came to speak to me :(

If LadyNewsWorcester56 had attended the recent AGM, or her fellow members had shared the information discussed at the AGM or in previous meetings then none of the above would have been "news"

A look on Googlemaps will show that both wickets now run the same way.

Thank you for drawing my attention to Google maps.

Yes, it does appear that both the top and bottom fields are running in the same direction. The images are not live as can be seen by the road closure at the St Peters roundabout. It's interesting to note that the wicket on the top lawn is not running north south but more like southwest northeast. Also, the bottom lawn appears larger than to top one so perhaps the team could swop lawns?

Score: -2

CJH
10:00am Fri 27 Jun 14

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

MikeGoode wrote…

89 N.O

I was at the ground Saturday, some of Sunday and yesterday evening and no one came to speak to me :(

If LadyNewsWorcester56 had attended the recent AGM, or her fellow members had shared the information discussed at the AGM or in previous meetings then none of the above would have been "news"

A look on Googlemaps will show that both wickets now run the same way.

Thank you for drawing my attention to Google maps.

Yes, it does appear that both the top and bottom fields are running in the same direction. The images are not live as can be seen by the road closure at the St Peters roundabout. It's interesting to note that the wicket on the top lawn is not running north south but more like southwest northeast. Also, the bottom lawn appears larger than to top one so perhaps the team could swop lawns?

Had you considered just going and talking to Mike Goode with all your questions? You've had the opportunity to do this, and didn't. Why? This is not really the place for negotiations is it? Unless you just like the attention.

[quote][p][bold]LadyNewsWorcester56[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MikeGoode[/bold] wrote:
89 N.O
I was at the ground Saturday, some of Sunday and yesterday evening and no one came to speak to me :(
If LadyNewsWorcester56 had attended the recent AGM, or her fellow members had shared the information discussed at the AGM or in previous meetings then none of the above would have been "news"
A look on Googlemaps will show that both wickets now run the same way.[/p][/quote]Thank you for drawing my attention to Google maps.
Yes, it does appear that both the top and bottom fields are running in the same direction. The images are not live as can be seen by the road closure at the St Peters roundabout. It's interesting to note that the wicket on the top lawn is not running north south but more like southwest northeast. Also, the bottom lawn appears larger than to top one so perhaps the team could swop lawns?[/p][/quote]Had you considered just going and talking to Mike Goode with all your questions? You've had the opportunity to do this, and didn't. Why? This is not really the place for negotiations is it? Unless you just like the attention.CJH

LadyNewsWorcester56 wrote…

MikeGoode wrote…

89 N.O

I was at the ground Saturday, some of Sunday and yesterday evening and no one came to speak to me :(

If LadyNewsWorcester56 had attended the recent AGM, or her fellow members had shared the information discussed at the AGM or in previous meetings then none of the above would have been "news"

A look on Googlemaps will show that both wickets now run the same way.

Thank you for drawing my attention to Google maps.

Yes, it does appear that both the top and bottom fields are running in the same direction. The images are not live as can be seen by the road closure at the St Peters roundabout. It's interesting to note that the wicket on the top lawn is not running north south but more like southwest northeast. Also, the bottom lawn appears larger than to top one so perhaps the team could swop lawns?

Had you considered just going and talking to Mike Goode with all your questions? You've had the opportunity to do this, and didn't. Why? This is not really the place for negotiations is it? Unless you just like the attention.

Score: 4

thegoldenestate
2:01pm Sat 5 Jul 14

It’s nice to see that the elderly are so actively involved in these sports. We must try and replicate this elsewhere also.

The Golden Estate
Privileged Living for Senior Citizens

It’s nice to see that the elderly are so actively involved in these sports. We must try and replicate this elsewhere also.
The Golden Estate
Privileged Living for Senior Citizensthegoldenestate

It’s nice to see that the elderly are so actively involved in these sports. We must try and replicate this elsewhere also.

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